Suspect Arrested in 2017 Murder of Missing Illinois Teenager

Keith Brackett charged with first-degree murder and concealment of homicide in death of 13-year-old Robert Bee

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single piece of rope or tape against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying the investigative nature of this crime story without depicting any violence, victims, or literal crime scene elements.A decade-old murder case is reopened as police uncover new forensic evidence linking a suspect to the crime scene.Pekin Today

After nearly a decade, police have arrested a suspect in the 2017 death of 13-year-old Robert Bee, who had been reported missing in 2016. Keith Brackett, 48, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicide in connection with Bee's killing. Brackett and Bee had a close relationship, and Bee's remains were found on property owned by Brackett's aunt.

Why it matters

The arrest in this cold case brings some closure to the community and the victim's family, though the details of the crime remain disturbing. It also raises questions about how long it can take to solve certain murders, especially those involving minors.

The details

According to court documents, Bee's remains were found in a wooded area behind a property owned by Brackett's aunt in July 2017, several months after he was reported missing in November 2016. Detectives found rope and tape at the crime scene that appeared similar to items seized from Brackett's home. An autopsy determined Bee's cause of death was homicidal violence, likely by asphyxiation.

  • Bee was reported missing on November 18, 2016.
  • Bee's remains were found in July 2017.
  • Brackett was arrested on April 8, 2026.
  • Brackett will appear in court on April 23, 2026 to enter a plea.

The players

Robert Bee

A 13-year-old boy who was reported missing in 2016 and found dead in 2017.

Keith Brackett

A 48-year-old suspect who had a close relationship with Bee and was arrested and charged with his murder.

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What they’re saying

“Speaking in generalities, our job as law enforcement is to make sure that our community feels safe, and especially our children. Anytime that we have a crime against a child, it's going to be something that is the highest priority for us.”

— Seth Ranney, Pekin Police Chief

What’s next

Brackett will appear on April 23 for her arraignment, where she will enter a plea.

The takeaway

This arrest, after nearly a decade, provides some closure for the community and the victim's family, but also raises troubling questions about how long it can take to solve certain murders, especially those involving minors.