x
Breaking News
More () »

NC Man Arrested in Arizona After Wife's Body Found In Woods: Sheriff

Lynn Keel was found with a large amount of cash and was possibly headed to the Mexican border, the sheriff said.

The 57-year-old Nash County man accused of murdering his wife has been captured in Arizona, Sheriff Keith Stone announced Sunday. 

Rexford Lynn Keel is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 38-year-old Diana Keel. 

Diana Keel was reported missing a week ago. Lynn Keel was questioned following her disappearance but later released. 

He was arrested near Tucson, Arizona, Stone said. 

RELATED: She Disappeared. Her Daughter, Co-Workers Reported Her Missing. NCDOT Found Her Body; Now Her Husband Wanted For Her Murder

Lynn Keel was found with a large amount of cash and was possibly headed to the Mexican border, the sheriff said.

Both his cars had been seized before he left so Lynn Keel was driving a vehicle that belongs to his parents.

On Sunday, Stone said that Diana Keel died from multiple stab wounds.

Diana Keel was last seen alive March 8 by a postal worker who delivered a package to her at 11 a.m., Sone said Sunday. Diana Keel was reported missing the next day.

From the beginning, investigators called Lynn Keel a person of interest in the case.

Neighbors and friends of Diana Keel say the couple had a tumultuous marriage. Friends say Diana tried to leave Keel before and was planning on leaving him again. 

Credit: WNCN
Lynn Keel is wanted for first-degree murder for the death of his wife Diana Keel.

"That he finally hurt her,” friend of Diana, Taryn Edwards told CBS 17. “That the fears that I had had from the first little bit or after meeting her that he finally succeeded." 

CBS 17 has learned Lynn’s first wife died at the same home he shared with Diana. It happened in 2006. 

Credit: Nash Co. Sheriff's Office, WNCN
Lynn Keel wanted for murder

Investigators say she fell down the outside steps and hit her head. Her death was ruled accidental.

RELATED: 'There is Definitely Foul Play:' Body of Missing NC Woman Found

Wednesday, March 13: Watch as Sheriff Stone confirms body found is Diane Keel and says foul play is involved.

Credit: WNCN
Diana Keel, Lynn Keel

Other stories to check out:

9 Years After Her Murder, A Renewed Push To Pass 'Allison's Law'

House Bill 41 Would Track Domestic Violence Offenders in Forsyth County

'He Planned This. He Was There Waiting.' | Inside the Mind of a Rapist

'You are a monster': Family faces man who weighted down his wife, threw her off bridge

LIST | Resources For Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors

Triad Murders Shine Light On Domestic Violence Red Flags and Resources

Before You Leave, Check This Out