Convicted animal abuser found dead after skipping sentencing

[Photo courtesy Marion County Sheriff’s Office]

The Ocala man who skipped sentencing on 42 counts of animal cruelty has been found dead in his residence, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Matthew Keel had a warrant out for his arrest after skipping his April 9 sentencing hearing. Authorities believe he died by suicide.

Marion County Judge Timothy McCourt issued a bench warrant for his arrest, after he was offered a 43-month sentence with two years of house arrest and two years of probation for his crimes against animals.

A friend of Keel’s called 911, telling authorities he had access to the cameras in Keel’s home at 5750 NW 6^th St., Ocala, and saw him unconscious, according to an MCSO incident report.

“I observed a sign on the door that read ‘door unlocked.’ I could smell an odor coming from the house. Due to this, Marion County Hazmat responded,” according to the incident report.

Deputies found Keel deceased inside the home. The Medical Examiner’s Office took possession of the body and is in the process of investigating his cause of death.

Keel was arrested in June 2024 in Ohio where he fled after authorities found 53 dogs living in squalor at his Ocala home, and deceased dogs being stored in a freezer, according to the Marion County Sherriff’s Office.

He pleaded no contest to 23 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 19 counts of animal cruelty, according to the Marion County Clerk of Court.