Carnesville, GA- Law Enforcement officials are still seeking information to identify the killer of a Franklin County businessman.  Keith Ratliff, manager and co-owner of FPS Industries, Global, LLC, was found dead at his business in Carnesville, GA on January 3, 2013.  Ratliff was discovered by an employee of the business in the early evening hours on that day.  The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the business after a call to 911 was made.  The Athens Regional Office of the GBI was asked to assist with the investigation.                 

Over twenty-four hours were spent examining the scene where Ratliff was found.  There were no signs of forced entry at the business and surveillance equipment, along with some firearms, had been taken.  There did not appear to be a struggle of any kind, and based on the scene, Ratliff died while he was working.  Ratliff may have been killed by individual(s) he trusted.

Ratliff was also the manager of a popular YouTube Channel called “FPS Russia.”  There were several videos posted on the channel, most of them showcasing weapons.  FPS Russia had millions of followers.   Ratliff’s death gained international interest, but nothing lead to an arrest of the person(s) responsible for killing him. 

Investigators strongly believe the individual(s) responsible for Ratliff’s murder are known to other people.  As such, those potential witnesses should be aware they present a possible continued threat to individual(s) responsible for killing Ratliff, especially if they fear being discovered or implicated in the crime by these witnesses.  Anyone with knowledge of those responsible for Ratliff’s murder should contact the police as failing to do so places them at a continued risk of harm.

Several state, federal, and local agencies have spent hundreds of hours investigating this crime.  As the three year mark of Ratliff’s death approaches, the GBI wants to remind the public that there has been no arrest in this case.  If anyone has any information relating to this case, please call the GBI Athens office at 706-552-2309 or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 706-384-2525.

Contact Information:

Nelly Miles (404) 270-8332