Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars

Derek Rutz · 07-17-2009, 11:09 AM

Dear Musicians, Music Lovers and Friends -

On June 23rd, 2009 my long-time friend and musician Keith Fessler was murdered in his Sacramento, CA home during a robbery. His house was burned, his car was stolen, and that was burned too. Several stringed instruments were stolen in the crime. His family provided me with photos and an inventory list, and I’ve been able to match the list to the photos.

The official Sacramento PD press release (link below) contains a description of the crime and photographs of the instruments:

Sacramento Police Department News Release 20090714-146: Police Search For Custom Instruments

Unfortunately the published list of stolen instruments contains several errors. An updated list is provided below.

• Flatiron Festival A Style, F-hole Mandolin, Ebony, s/n 93071686
• Carvin Thin-line AC375 Acoustic, Natural (Vintage Yellow), s/n 63329
• Carvin CL450 Classical, Sunburst, s/n 67226
• Gibson J-180EC Acoustic, Ebony, s/n 00263003
• Takamine Santa Fe Acoustic, Natural, s/n 93121043
• Gibson Les Paul Classic Premium Plus Electric, Honeyburst Maple Flame, s/n 3 1602
• Jackson JS Dinky Electric, Blue/White Diamond, s/n 6717
• Fender Telecaster Electric, Teal w/White Pick Guard, s/n unknown
• Kaman or Applause GTX 4-String Bass Electric, Black/Smoke Gray, s/n unknown
• Fender? Telecaster Electric, Medium Brown Stained Wood, s/n unknown
• Gibson (or clone) Les Paul Custom Electric, Ebony w/Gold Hardware, s/n unknown
• Unknown Dreadnought Acoustic, Natural, s/n unknown

The location of the Deering banjo and Mitchell MD-100 acoustic (not in photos) is known.

Should you locate any of the instruments listed above, please contact Detective Bryce Heinlein at (916) 433-0688, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP, or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. If you'd rather not talk to the police, please contact me directly (email address below).

Thank you for any help.

Derek Rutz
derek.rutz@coherent.com

guitarsmark · 07-17-2009, 11:13 AM

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, and if I come across any of the said instruments, I will let you know right away.

type0 · 07-17-2009, 11:15 AM

Wow.... dude.

My condolences.

I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. I wish you all the luck in the world tracking down the instruments and the people that did this.

I'll be on the lookout on ebay as I often deal there.

J-Man123 · 07-17-2009, 11:54 AM

I'm so sorry that happened. I wish I could help.

J-Man123

loneguitar · 07-17-2009, 01:51 PM

I also send my condolences, and the link below may also be helpful in this.
I pray the criminals who have done this will be apprehended shortly, good luck.

stolenguitarregistry.com

StrangerNY · 07-17-2009, 01:53 PM

That's just so sad.

Good luck in tracking down the perpetrators and instruments, and condolences to the family.

(Edit: Thanks to BB for making this a sticky.)

- D

Jason · 07-17-2009, 01:54 PM

Some people make this world such a sick, sad place. I'm truly sorry to hear about your friend. Condolences and best wishes.

E55eT · 07-17-2009, 02:19 PM

That was really horrible.

I will do as type0, keep my eyes on ebay, my second home.

I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and his family..

Rikochet · 07-17-2009, 02:23 PM

shit man.......

Deftone · 07-17-2009, 02:23 PM

Sorry for your loss. I live 30 minutes from Sacramento, I'll watch the local CL.

5F6-A · 07-17-2009, 02:30 PM

Last · 07-17-2009, 02:44 PM

All the above goes triple for me as well.

Sorry to hear this though.

I'll definitely be looking around the bay & other outlets not so obvious.

Damn shame what this world & 'some' of the people in it are like sometimes.

banditguitarist1 · 07-17-2009, 03:30 PM

Im incredibly sorry about your loss! I will keep my eyes and ears open and I pray these sick depraved people or person is caught by the police.

-=[Shifty]=- · 07-17-2009, 05:56 PM

I'm sorry, my condolences!

Make sure to constantly check craigslist and ebay.
I'm afraid that I can't be of much help, I doubt that the guitars pop up in Germany.
Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

***b-squared*** · 07-17-2009, 07:00 PM

Moved thread backstage, where it will get more visibility...will also stick it for 30 days.

My condolences for your friend; hopefully they will catch the perps.

BB

The_Sentry · 07-17-2009, 07:12 PM

Wow...that's near my neck of the woods.

I'll keep an eye out on craigslist as well...

Fireatwillrocks · 07-17-2009, 07:15 PM

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and you. Eyes wide open and on the search. It would be nice to see justice prevail.

djwilbanks · 07-17-2009, 07:19 PM

Sorry to hear about this, I'll keep my eyes peeled while at my usual haunts.

jeff_farkas · 07-17-2009, 07:32 PM

type0 · 07-17-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b-squared

Moved thread backstage, where it will get more visibility...will also stick it for 30 days.

My condolences for your friend; hopefully they will catch the perps.

BB

That's really nice of you, man.

-=[Shifty]=- · 07-18-2009, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b-squared

Moved thread backstage, where it will get more visibility...will also stick it for 30 days.

My condolences for your friend; hopefully they will catch the perps.

BB

Thanks, BB!

slither · 07-18-2009, 08:51 AM

My condolences for the sad loss of your friend in such violent circumstances. It makes you wonder what motivates such people to behave in that manner. I hope that the perpetrators are brought swiftly to justice.

googy36 · 07-18-2009, 09:17 AM

l thimk is time to bring back the hang man sorry about your loss

***b-squared*** · 07-18-2009, 09:53 AM

If you take a map and draw a 10-mile circle around the house, chances are the stuff will be at a pawn shop within the circle, or the perp will have visited it trying to pawn the items.

BB

GNR4EVR · 07-18-2009, 01:04 PM

I hope they catch them. Im sorry to hear this. I will pray for you and yours and the police to find those responsible.

StrangerNY · 07-18-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b-squared

Moved thread backstage, where it will get more visibility...will also stick it for 30 days.

My condolences for your friend; hopefully they will catch the perps.

BB

Thanks, BB.

- D

bad261 · 07-18-2009, 07:38 PM

Good Lord!

diceman · 07-19-2009, 04:57 PM

I'm very sorry to hear about this. I hope they catch the bastard.

leftylover · 07-20-2009, 12:51 AM

damn.that was the day after i moved away from there!

BUDOKAI · 07-21-2009, 04:05 AM

that sucks. i live near there so i might be able to help.

07-17-2009, 11:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
Derek Rutz Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Dear Musicians, Music Lovers and Friends - On June 23rd, 2009 my long-time friend and musician Keith Fessler was murdered in his Sacramento, CA home during a robbery. His house was burned, his car was stolen, and that was burned too. Several stringed instruments were stolen in the crime. His family provided me with photos and an inventory list, and I’ve been able to match the list to the photos. The official Sacramento PD press release (link below) contains a description of the crime and photographs of the instruments: Sacramento Police Department News Release 20090714-146: Police Search For Custom Instruments Unfortunately the published list of stolen instruments contains several errors. An updated list is provided below. • Flatiron Festival A Style, F-hole Mandolin, Ebony, s/n 93071686 • Carvin Thin-line AC375 Acoustic, Natural (Vintage Yellow), s/n 63329 • Carvin CL450 Classical, Sunburst, s/n 67226 • Gibson J-180EC Acoustic, Ebony, s/n 00263003 • Takamine Santa Fe Acoustic, Natural, s/n 93121043 • Gibson Les Paul Classic Premium Plus Electric, Honeyburst Maple Flame, s/n 3 1602 • Jackson JS Dinky Electric, Blue/White Diamond, s/n 6717 • Fender Telecaster Electric, Teal w/White Pick Guard, s/n unknown • Kaman or Applause GTX 4-String Bass Electric, Black/Smoke Gray, s/n unknown • Fender? Telecaster Electric, Medium Brown Stained Wood, s/n unknown • Gibson (or clone) Les Paul Custom Electric, Ebony w/Gold Hardware, s/n unknown • Unknown Dreadnought Acoustic, Natural, s/n unknown The location of the Deering banjo and Mitchell MD-100 acoustic (not in photos) is known. Should you locate any of the instruments listed above, please contact Detective Bryce Heinlein at (916) 433-0688, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP, or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. If you'd rather not talk to the police, please contact me directly (email address below). Thank you for any help. Derek Rutz derek.rutz@coherent.com

07-17-2009, 11:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
J-Man123 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: On my computer...where else? Posts: 1,926 Thanks: 181 Thanked 28 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars I'm so sorry that happened. I wish I could help. J-Man123 __________________ Do I listen to pop music because I'm miserable or am I miserable because listen to pop music?- John Cusak Long Live Rock!

07-17-2009, 01:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
loneguitar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Memphis Posts: 1,588 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars I also send my condolences, and the link below may also be helpful in this. I pray the criminals who have done this will be apprehended shortly, good luck. stolenguitarregistry.com __________________ " Without a song The road would never bend, Without a song, A man ain't got a friend, Without a song, The day would never end Without a song So I keep singing a song "

07-17-2009, 01:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
StrangerNY Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 5,074 Thanks: 16 Thanked 156 Times in 41 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars That's just so sad. Good luck in tracking down the perpetrators and instruments, and condolences to the family. (Edit: Thanks to BB for making this a sticky.) - D __________________ Bands, Present & Past: Nurse Diesel \| Diesel On MySpace \| Big Sky \| 20FTWide \| Solo Work \| Chronicles: The Clapton Project "I learned a long time ago that one note can go a long way if it's the right one, and it will probably whip the guy with 20 notes." - Les Paul "You were old the first time I signed you." - unnamed A&R guy to StrangerNY, 2000 Last edited by StrangerNY; 07-18-2009 at 01:07 PM.

07-17-2009, 01:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jason Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 12,995 Thanks: 84 Thanked 91 Times in 23 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Some people make this world such a sick, sad place. I'm truly sorry to hear about your friend. Condolences and best wishes.

Today
Les Paul	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on My Les Paul Forums

07-17-2009, 02:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
E55eT Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,361 Thanks: 37 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars That was really horrible. I will do as type0, keep my eyes on ebay, my second home. I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and his family.. __________________

07-17-2009, 02:23 PM	#9 (permalink)
Rikochet Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Canada, eh? Posts: 1,836 Thanks: 48 Thanked 24 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars shit man....... __________________

07-17-2009, 02:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
Deftone Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 2,733 Thanks: 185 Thanked 36 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Sorry for your loss. I live 30 minutes from Sacramento, I'll watch the local CL. __________________ -Mark '87 LP Custom Lite: Black '88 LP Custom Lite: Cherryburst '89 LP Studio Lite: Black W/ factory Floyd trem '02 SG Special Faded Krank Rev. jr. mini stack + Celestion V30 & G12H Marshall Lead 12 5w hand wired tube mini stack Phaez 18w Dasiycutter + efx loop + Avatar vert. 2X12 w/Eminence 100w

07-17-2009, 02:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
5F6-A Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Back and forth the UK Posts: 4,139 Thanks: 110 Thanked 160 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars __________________ Saltaire's Vicars "Post Tenebras Lux" ----------------------------

07-17-2009, 02:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
Last Master Crafter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO. USA Posts: 3,466 Thanks: 172 Thanked 50 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars All the above goes triple for me as well. Sorry to hear this though. I'll definitely be looking around the bay & other outlets not so obvious. Damn shame what this world & 'some' of the people in it are like sometimes.

07-17-2009, 03:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
banditguitarist1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Rochelle,NY Posts: 1,217 Thanks: 55 Thanked 15 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Im incredibly sorry about your loss! I will keep my eyes and ears open and I pray these sick depraved people or person is caught by the police.

07-17-2009, 07:00 PM	#15 (permalink)
*b-squared* 'MLP Mid-West' Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: About 15 minutes from the LOU...(STL) Posts: 12,158 Thanks: 270 Thanked 187 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Moved thread backstage, where it will get more visibility...will also stick it for 30 days. My condolences for your friend; hopefully they will catch the perps. BB __________________ I use: WB Custom Pickups--6707 VTP/VTPH, 5707 Prototypes, Habaneros, Firewaters DeTemple 'Sweet Spot' Pickups (Strat) RS Guitarworks Electronics Jonesy's Caps

07-17-2009, 07:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
The_Sentry Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 17,247 Thanks: 450 Thanked 499 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Wow...that's near my neck of the woods. I'll keep an eye out on craigslist as well... __________________ The Geartalk Video Blog

07-17-2009, 07:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
Fireatwillrocks Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Kingman AZ Posts: 90 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and you. Eyes wide open and on the search. It would be nice to see justice prevail. __________________ Gibson 08 Les Paul Traditional Plus Gibson 08 Les Paul LTD ED Robot Gibson 07 Les Paul Gold Top Supreme GOTW Gibson 08 SG Diablo GOTM Gibson 08 50 anniversary Brimstone Flying V GOTM Schecter 07 C-1 Elite Amber Takamine 07 Acu/Ele Harmony 1970 Sovereign LTD ED Acoustic www.fireatwillrocks.net

07-17-2009, 07:19 PM	#18 (permalink)
djwilbanks V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 16,148 Thanks: 125 Thanked 207 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Sorry to hear about this, I'll keep my eyes peeled while at my usual haunts. __________________ º\|\|\|\|\|º

07-17-2009, 07:32 PM	#19 (permalink)
jeff_farkas MLP Bunny Slut!! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oak Ridge TN, USA Posts: 5,665 Thanks: 349 Thanked 105 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars __________________

07-18-2009, 08:51 AM	#22 (permalink)
slither Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The Shire (aka God's Country), Sydney, Australia Posts: 510 Thanks: 12 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars My condolences for the sad loss of your friend in such violent circumstances. It makes you wonder what motivates such people to behave in that manner. I hope that the perpetrators are brought swiftly to justice. __________________ Guitars 2007 Les Paul 1959 Reissue (Washed Cherry Sunburst) 2008 Slash signature Les Paul Standard (Vintage Sunburst) 1970/71? Les Paul Standard/Deluxe (Black) 1974 SG Special (Cherry)

07-18-2009, 09:17 AM	#23 (permalink)
googy36 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 31 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars l thimk is time to bring back the hang man sorry about your loss

07-18-2009, 09:53 AM	#24 (permalink)
*b-squared* 'MLP Mid-West' Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: About 15 minutes from the LOU...(STL) Posts: 12,158 Thanks: 270 Thanked 187 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars If you take a map and draw a 10-mile circle around the house, chances are the stuff will be at a pawn shop within the circle, or the perp will have visited it trying to pawn the items. BB __________________ I use: WB Custom Pickups--6707 VTP/VTPH, 5707 Prototypes, Habaneros, Firewaters DeTemple 'Sweet Spot' Pickups (Strat) RS Guitarworks Electronics Jonesy's Caps

07-18-2009, 01:04 PM	#25 (permalink)
GNR4EVR Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Southern Maryland (No, Im not a SMIB) Posts: 4,298 Thanks: 131 Thanked 65 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars I hope they catch them. Im sorry to hear this. I will pray for you and yours and the police to find those responsible. __________________ MLP FAKE HUNTER 2005 Epiphone Elitist Standard Plus Honeyburst *MOJO-ED!* "If you always do what youve always done then youll always get what youve always got!!"

07-18-2009, 07:38 PM	#27 (permalink)
bad261 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 349 Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars Good Lord!

07-19-2009, 04:57 PM	#28 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,337 Thanks: 310 Thanked 91 Times in 32 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars I'm very sorry to hear about this. I hope they catch the bastard. __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

07-20-2009, 12:51 AM	#29 (permalink)
leftylover Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,106 Thanks: 5 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars damn.that was the day after i moved away from there! __________________ ...

07-21-2009, 04:05 AM	#30 (permalink)
BUDOKAI Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Torrance CA Posts: 1,595 Thanks: 142 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Murder, Arson and Stolen Guitars that sucks. i live near there so i might be able to help. __________________ Sigs are for losers

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