Reuters
A murder suspect texted “LMAO” when he was told of his alleged victim’s critical injuries that left her in a vegetative state, with a shattered skull and without one of her eyes, New York prosecutors say. Former corrections officer Ralph Keppler, 28, is accused of murdering Theresa Kiel, 56, with a barbell at her Long Beach apartment on Dec. 4, 2016—though she only succumbed to her injuries last month. The victim’s daughter, Francesca Kiel, 21, who is Keppler’s girlfriend, is accused of plotting the murder with him. At Keppler’s bail hearing, Nassau County Prosecutor Stefanie Palma said, “[Keppler] and Francesca were laughing over the fact that she lost an eye.” Palma said Keppler texted “LMAO” upon hearing of the injuries, and said in another message: “That bitch got what she deserved.” Keppler has been held without bail, while Kiel remains in jail in lieu of $1.5 million bail.