JOHNSON VALLEY MAN SHOOTS, KILLS SON MONDAY

A Johnson Valley man was killed by his father Monday following an argument over burglary. According to a Sheriff’s report, Keith Putz Jr, 43, burglarized his parents’ home in the 5900 block of Kickapoo Trail in Johnson Valley Sunday, December 22. Putz returned in the early morning hours of Monday, December 23 and stole his parents’ car. After he left, Putz was involved in a pursuit with the California Highway Patrol, but he managed to avoid arrest. Putz returned to his parents’ home angry that his parents had called law enforcement about the burglary and the vehicle theft. Putz and his father, Keith Putz Sr., 72, were arguing, and Putz Sr. told deputies that his son threatened to kill him. Putz Sr. shot his son about 8:20 a.m. Putz Jr. was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. A shotgun was found inside the home. No arrests have been made at this time; after homicide detectives have completed their investigation, the case will be submitted to the District Attorney’s office for review.