On Triple Slaying Suspect's 'To-Do List': Get Gun

Sept. 22, 2005 — -- Authorities believe a man being hunted in three states in the killings of three people, including a child who was involved in a sex abuse investigation against him, will not be captured alive.

A nationwide task force has been set up to help FBI and local law enforcement officials search for Melvin Keeling, who is suspected of three slayings in Ohio and Indiana. Authorities have been searching for Keeling since Monday, when 13-year-old Katelind Caudill was found shot to death in her bedroom in Deerfield Township, Ohio.

Authorities believe Katelind, a friend of Keeling's oldest stepdaughter, became involved in a sex abuse investigation of Keeling within two days of her death. Katelind was not a victim in the case, authorities said. It was unclear how she was involved.

Keeling is also suspected in the fatal shooting of two store clerks in Remington, Ind. Lisa Kendall, 29, and Kendora Furr, 38, were found shot Monday morning by a customer. Investigators say surveillance video showed a man believed to be Keeling attempting to buy cigarettes.

Authorities said they believe Keeling left a hand-written note to his family that said they wouldn't see him alive again. Indiana police also said they found a "to-do list" they believe Keeling wrote before the slayings. The list, police said, reminded the suspect to get a gun and clothes.

Sources close to the investigation told ABC News affiliate WCPO in Cincinnati that police in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio believe the list and note to his family indicate Keeling is dangerous and will not be taken by authorities alive. Investigators said Keeling may also be armed with a Glock .40-caliber handgun that he recently redeemed from a Cincinnati-area pawnshop.

In addition to potential murder charges, Keeling faces two counts of rape and 24 counts of gross sexual imposition. Federal authorities in Cincinnati have also filed a warrant charging him with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.