Arrest made in connection with killing of off-duty FWC officer in LaBelle

A suspect has been arrested in the early Sunday shooting death of a 30-year-old off-duty Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer in LaBelle.

A court official confirmed that Eliceo Hernandez, 20, was arrested Sunday and faces charges for negligent homicide in the death of FWC Officer Julian Keen Jr.

The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office said Keen was off duty in the area of Nobles Road and Apache Circle when he saw Hernandez driving recklessly — hitting a sign and driving away — and decided to follow him. After both Keen and Hernandez stopped, Keen confronted Hernandez and was later shot, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Once they were able to get the vehicle stopped, there was some sort of a conversation between them, where, at some point, shots were fired, causing Officer Keen to die of his wounds at the scene,” Sheriff Steve Whidden said.

Hernandez’s arrest came after three suspects in the case were detained by deputies and questioned. The two others who were interviewed do not face charges.

Whidden told us Keen was devoted to his community and his work, even when he was off duty.

“Just didn’t get any better than Julian” Whidden said. “He was a bright light.”

Keen’s death has been a major loss for the community he served. Gifts brought to his memorial site are a testament to how much community members cared for Keen.

One of Keen’s friends told us he had recently spearheaded a young gentleman’s group of troubled youth to show them how to be respectful and responsible.

Family and friends say, while he is gone, he will not be forgotten.

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