Jacob Keltner's Wife Wants Husband's Killer To Spend Life In Prison

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A guilty verdict for a 42-year-old Springfield man accused of fatally shooting a McHenry County sheriff's deputy in 2019 is providing some peace and closure for those who were closest to the deputy.

On Friday, a jury found Floyd Brown guilty of second-degree murder for shooting McHenry County Sheriff's Office deputy Jacob Keltner on March 7, 2019. The jury found Brown not guilty of the more serious charge of first-degree murder, which indicated they did not believe the shooting was premeditated, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The jury also found Brown guilty of assault of a federal officer, possession of firearms and other weapons charges.

Keltner had a wife and two young children at the time of his death outside an Extended Stay motel in Rockford. He was part of a task force serving an arrest warrant for Brown at the motel when he was shot.

His wife, Becky Keltner, sat through much of the two-week trial.

"I saw and heard things I can’t unsee/hear and I’m emotionally drained," Becky Keltner wrote in a Facebook post. "It was hard to hear all the details of what happened March 7, 2019 and even harder to hear him try to justify what he did. I saw just how many people he affected from his heinous, hatred acts and that hurt."

Keltner expressed gratitude to friends, family and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office for their support. She also said she's grateful no other officers were seriously injured or killed that day.

"I’m happy with the outcome," Keltner said. "We got him convicted of murder, attempted murder, and plenty of other charges. The ultimate goal was always to make sure he could never hurt someone again. And when I get to confront him July 19 and say my peace, I’ll make sure he never breathes a free breath of air again."

Brown's sentencing is set for July 19.

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Following the verdict, McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim said "justice doesn't always appear how we picture," adding that no "verdict can bring Jake back."

"But, we are hopeful that it will allow the Keltner family the chance to close a chapter in their lives and take the next steps in healing," Prim said in a statement.

Brown fatally shot Keltner, who was assigned to keep watch outside the hotel in case Brown tried to escape, according to prosecutors and the Chicago Tribune. Brown then fled 140 miles in his car, pointing a rifle out his window at pursuing squad cars before a trooper rammed his car into a cornfield near Bloomington, police said. A six-hour standoff followed before police used tear gas and Brown turned himself in.

Prim thanked those who apprehended Floyd and for all the cards, letters and donations made following her Keltner's death.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to those who worked to help Deputy Keltner, to those who apprehended the killer, and to every single agency and officer that offered their help and support along the way," Prim said in his statement. "And finally, we thank each and every one of you for your support over the last three years. Every card, letter, donation, and more is very much appreciated by everyone at the Sheriff’s Office.

"Jake is, and will always be, a hero. Please keep the Keltner family in your thoughts as they continue to live with this unthinkable loss," he added.

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