Carlos Erwin Kepke, an 83-year-old male lawyer from Houston, Texas, died on November 27, 2022, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at his home. His death occurred just a day before he was scheduled to stand trial for allegedly helping billionaire Robert Smith evade taxes by hiding millions in offshore entities and foreign bank accounts. Kepke was charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and aiding in filing a materially false tax return.
Despite pleading not guilty, his trial was canceled following his death.
Kepke's attorneys had previously filed court papers citing his extended history of heart disease and heart failure, including two heart attacks and triple-bypass open-heart surgery, which brought attendant complications. His lawyers maintained his innocence and were prepared to prove it at trial. However, with Kepke's passing, the case was dismissed, and Smith avoided testifying against his former attorney.
There were no arrests, suspects, litigations, or investigations related to Kepke's death, as it was ruled a suicide by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. The court was informed of Kepke's death, and all remaining trial dates were vacated.
