Brewster man charged with first-degree murder

BREWSTER – A long-time Brewster resident is in custody in the Okanogan County jail charged with first-degree murder following the April 30 shotgun death of his wife.

William George Keran, 81, is being held on $1 million bail imposed by the Okanogan County Superior Court after Keran’s May 1 arraignment.

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, Keran shot his wife of 37 years, Linda, 72, with a sawed-off .410 shotgun as she sat in a chair in the living room of the couple’s home at 46 Keran Drive. About 10 minutes later, at approximately 10:16 a.m., Keran called a friend and Brewster city official who, in turn, notified law enforcement. 

When Okanogan County Sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene, they found Linda Keran deceased, placed Keran in custody, and later recovered the weapon used in the shooting.

Under later interrogation by authorities, Keran admitted to the premeditated shooting and said that he killed Linda “to relieve her pain but admitted it was partially due to their financial problems and Linda’s threat of divorce,” the affidavit stated. Keran also said his wife was experiencing back and shoulder pain issues and “wished she could end it.”

Keran said he thought about committing suicide, but the friend he called talked him out of hurting himself.

According to the affidavit, the Keran’s ran a snow plowing and plumbing repair business, and Linda handled all the financial matters.

In addition to Murder in the First Degree, County Prosecutor Albert Lin charged Keran with Domestic Violence and Unlawful Firearms.

Keran is scheduled to next appear in court on May 13.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media