Dateline: Secrets Uncovered is examining the murder of Julia “Deede” Keller, who was strangled to death by her ex-husband, Erwin Percy Howard, at her home in El Segundo, California.
The 50-year-old Deede was killed on July 9, 2004. Her family and friends reported her missing three days later after it became clear she had vanished and her dogs had not been fed.
Their worst fears were confirmed on July 15, when Deede’s decomposing remains were found in her car in downtown San Diego.
The body and sheets were wrapped in blankets and bound in a tape used by mechanics working for American Airlines at LAX. Deede’s husband, Howard, worked at the American Airlines maintenance terminal at Los Angeles International Airport, and a police dog also linked the tape to Howard’s scent.
Howard and Deede’s marriage had broken down in 2003, but the couple seemingly remained friends, with Howard regularly visiting his former wife and helping out with the dogs. However, Deede’s friends later told the cops that Howard had become increasingly “obsessed” and “extremely jealous.”
The killer became enraged when he learned Deede had started dating again. Friends later claimed he accused his ex-wife of cheating on him even though they were divorced.
Erwin Howard had displayed violent behavior toward Deede Keller
On June 30, Howard confronted Deede at her home with a printout of emails from friends asking her about her new boyfriend. Howard allegedly slapped Deede during the incident.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelOn July 8, Howard was supposed to be at work, but instead, he followed Deede as she went on a date. Her new boyfriend, Robert Lowe, left her home sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight, after which the police say Howard got into another confrontation with Deede and killed her.
Howard continued to maintain his innocence as he was put on trial for first-degree murder. Eventually, the killer agreed to strike a deal with the prosecution and admitted his guilt.
Erwin Howard apologized for killing Deede Keller
He explained in detail to an LA courtroom how he attacked Deede in her living room. He said, “I stood there. And I thought: ‘God, I’ve killed her.’” The killer later added, “I know that saying I’m sorry is not enough. But I’m sorry.”
Howard was subsequently convicted of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. He was made eligible for parole, and Deede’s family signed an agreement stating that they would not contest his parole.
However, in 2019, Deede’s son from a previous marriage, Mike Keller, told reporters he regretted signing the agreement when Howard was released after serving just ten years. Keller called the deal “Swiss cheese” and added, “We were under extreme duress at the time of the trial, so I blame ourselves for not looking a little bit more deeply [at the agreement].”
Dateline: Secrets Uncovered re-airs Thursday at 8/7c on Oxygen.