In a shocking twist to a longstanding legal battle, an Oklahoma businessman is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to kill the couple who purchased his home over a decade ago. The suspect, 51-year-old Keith Kathy, is accused of first-degree solicitation of murder following a series of tense events that stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the plaintiffs, Mike and Cheryl Fritz, regarding a significant bat infestation in the home they bought from him.
The saga began in 2015 when the Fritz family, eager to find a suitable home for their children, purchased a property in Tulsa from Kathy for $445,000. According to court documents, Kathy claimed he was unaware of any defects or issues with the house. However, shortly after moving in, the Fritz family encountered a multitude of problems, including severe water leaks and a hidden bat infestation that was later confirmed by exterminators.
As the situation escalated, the Fritz family took legal action against Kathy in 2016, alleging that he knowingly concealed issues with the property. A jury ultimately found in favor of the Fritz family, awarding them over $546,000, with the total judgment exceeding one million dollars after legal fees were included. The case dragged on for nearly a decade, culminating in a final decision in July of this year.
Frustrated by the legal outcome, Kathy allegedly made a disturbing proposition to a plumber who was working on his home. According to police reports, during a conversation in April 2023, Kathy expressed his anger over the lawsuit and offered the plumber $100,000 to kill the Fritz couple. Initially dismissed as a joke, the plumber later felt compelled to report the conversation to law enforcement after Kathy continued to insist on his serious intentions.
Unbeknownst to Kathy, the plumber’s company required him to record conversations for customer service purposes, capturing the incriminating dialogue. In the recorded conversation, Kathy explicitly stated his desire to have the Fritz family killed, further emphasizing that he was “not joking.” Following the plumber’s report, police investigated the matter, leading to Kathy’s arrest in September 2023.
Kathy was charged with first-degree solicitation of murder and released on a $200,000 bond. After his release, he characterized the situation as a misunderstanding but declined to provide further details. Meanwhile, the Fritz family has taken precautionary measures, filing emergency protective orders against Kathy.
Legal experts have weighed in on the case, noting the considerable evidence against Kathy, including the recorded conversation. Prosecutors may argue that his statements reveal a clear intent to harm the Fritz couple, driven by his resentment over the substantial financial judgment against him.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case has raised questions about the boundaries of frustration and intent behind spoken threats. The outcome could have significant implications for Kathy, who could face severe penalties if convicted. The trial is poised to capture public attention as it delves into the complexities of human emotion, legal responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked anger.
