Philip Keller, a 43-year-old mixed martial artist from Merritt Island, Florida, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing his fiancée, Alicia “Red” Campitelli, in 2021.
The tragic incident unfolded after an argument between the couple over Keller’s drug use escalated into violence.
Keller was convicted on charges of second-degree murder, grand theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and tampering with evidence. His plea deal came after he was initially charged with first-degree murder.
As part of the agreement, Keller will serve a minimum of 25 years in prison for the murder charge.
The death of 35-year-old Alicia Campitelli, a popular piercing artist, was discovered on May 15, 2021, after Keller called 911, claiming that she had been shot and that their apartment had been robbed.
However, his story quickly unraveled when authorities later found evidence of foul play.
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According to an affidavit, Keller admitted to shooting Campitelli three times with her own gun during a violent argument. He confessed to firing two fatal shots to the back of her head, after missing the first shot.
Before his arrest, Keller also confessed to a friend during a recorded phone call, admitting that he had killed Campitelli while under the influence of drugs.
“I killed her bro, I killed her high as [expletive],” Keller said, according to the affidavit.
He also revealed that he used her debit card to buy drugs after the murder and discarded the weapon in a nearby canal.
During the sentencing, Alicia’s family delivered emotional statements in court, describing the devastating impact of her death.
“Our hearts are so broken every day,” said her mother, Debra Moore.
“It was not just the end of her life; it was the end of our family’s life.” Alicia’s twin sister, Alana May Marshall-Campitelli, added, “I can still hear her cries… Keller did not just end one life but he destroyed so many others as well.”
Keller’s sentencing marks the end of a long legal battle, but the grief for Alicia’s family and friends continues as they process the loss of a beloved woman whose life was taken far too soon.
