In a shocking turn of events, Keith Kathy, a successful medical device salesman from Oklahoma, has been charged with first-degree solicitation of murder after allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to kill a couple who sued him over a bat infestation in the home he sold them. The case, which has roots dating back to 2015, highlights the often tumultuous nature of real estate transactions and the potential for disputes to escalate dramatically.
The saga began when Cheryl and Mike Fritz purchased a home in Tulsa from Kathy in May 2015 for $445,000. At the time of the sale, Kathy assured the Fritz family that there were no known issues with the property. However, just two days after moving in, the couple discovered significant problems, including leaks and pest infestations. Within weeks, they realized they were dealing with a serious bat problem, which was compounded by water damage and health issues, including unexplained rashes experienced by Cheryl Fritz.
Despite the Fritz family’s attempts to resolve the issues with Kathy, they ultimately filed a lawsuit against him in May 2016, claiming he failed to disclose defects in the home. After years of legal battles, they were awarded over $1 million in damages, a verdict that Kathy reportedly found difficult to accept.
The situation took a sinister turn when, in April 2023, a plumber who had been working for Kathy overheard him expressing frustration about the lawsuit. During their conversation, Kathy allegedly offered the plumber $100,000 to kill the Fritz couple, claiming that he was not joking and was serious about the request. The plumber, feeling uncomfortable and believing Kathy was sincere, reported the incident to the police.
Investigators later found that the plumber had recorded the conversation, which included Kathy explicitly stating he would pay to have the Fritz family killed. Following this revelation, police arrested Kathy on September 4, 2023, charging him with solicitation to commit murder.
Kathy was released on a $200,000 bond and has since described the situation as a “big misunderstanding.” Meanwhile, the Fritz family has taken precautionary measures by filing emergency protective orders against him, indicating the seriousness of their concerns.
Legal experts suggest that the evidence against Kathy appears strong, especially given the recorded statements where he expressed a willingness to pay for the killing. However, the defense may argue that Kathy was merely venting his frustrations and did not genuinely intend to follow through on his threats.
As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the implications of heated discussions and the line between frustration and genuine intent. The outcome remains to be seen as both sides prepare for what could be a contentious legal battle.
