In the quiet morning hours of December 10, 2024, a grim discovery was made in Redmond, Oregon, that would shatter the lives of many. River Robert Feldmiller, a 26-year-old Caucasian male, was found deceased in the passenger seat of a 2017 Ford F-250 truck near the intersection of East Antler Avenue and SE 9th Street. The initial 911 call at approximately 8:00 a.m. reported a possible gunshot victim, a fear that was soon confirmed by responding officers from the Redmond Police Department.
The circumstances surrounding River's death were immediately deemed suspicious, prompting the activation of the Central Oregon Major Incident Team to lead the homicide investigation. It was determined that River, who was described as a transient, had been lost to gun violence. Remembered as a good friend and a loving brother, River was the third of five children. He had a love for adventure, fishing, and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Those who knew him described him as a sweetheart, the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back.
As the investigation progressed, authorities identified a suspect in the case. Keith Nolen, also a transient who had been living east of Redmond, was named as the individual sought in connection with River's death. Law enforcement officials issued a public warning, stating that Nolen should be considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Deschutes County 911. The search for Nolen is ongoing as a family and community grapple with the sudden and violent loss of a young man who, by all accounts, had a huge heart.
