Today, in Grand Falls-Windsor Supreme Court, a conviction of second-degree murder was handed down to 40-year-old Kirk Keeping in relation to a homicide that occurred in Conne River on January 9, 2019. Keeping is sentenced to life in prison, with the eligibility of parole in sixteen years.
Chantel John of Conne River was 28-years-old when she was murdered. She was a victim of intimate partner violence, having been in a relationship with Kirk Keeping.
Additionally, Keeping was convicted and received concurrent incarceration sentencing for the following offences:
- Assault with a weapon – 24 months
- Uttering threats – 24 months
- Breach of probation – 12 months
- Breach of an undertaking – 60 days
RCMP NL is pleased with the diligent work of its investigators which led to this successful conviction, including RCMP resources from the Major Crimes Unit, Forensic Identification Services, Forensic Laboratory Services, Police Dog Services and officers with Harbour Breton, Bay d'Espoir and Grand Falls-Windsor Detachments.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Chantel John at this time, as well as the community of Conne River (Miawpukek First Nation).
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.