Former Bend resident, PSU football player receives 23-year prison term in 2022 fatal shooting of girlfriend

PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW/KTVZ) — A former Bend resident and Portland State University football player who was arrested in southern Deschutes County on a murder charge two years ago has begun serving a 23-year prison term for shooting and killing his girlfriend, another PSU student, in 2022, KGW reported. 

Keenan Reece Harpole, now 22, pleaded guilty on April 15 to first-degree manslaughter constituting domestic violence and unlawful use of a weapon, according to Multnomah County court documents. Judge Christopher Marshall sentenced Harpole to 276 months, with the possibility of a reduced sentence after the first 10 years.

On April 4, 2022, at 1 a.m., police said 19-year-old Amara Marluke was shot by Harpole, then 20, outside of her dorm near the intersection of Southwest College Street and Southwest 6th Avenue. Officers arrived and found Marluke dead. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office was informed later that morning about Harpole's location at a family property on Homestead Way, between Sunriver and La Pine, Sgt. Doug Sullivan said at the time.

“Detectives contacted Harpole and he agreed to turn himself in,” Sullivan said, and he “was taken into custody without incident.” Harpole was brought back to Portland, where he was released to Portland Police Bureau homicide detectives.

The university confirmed that Harpole was a first-year student and member of the PSU football team, but was no longer on the team. Sullivan said Harpole was a 2020 graduate of Mountain View High School in Bend. 

An autopsy later confirmed Marluke died from gunshot wounds, and her death was ruled a homicide. 

Harpole had been Marluke's first boyfriend. Family members said they'd seen several warning signs of domestic violence and stated that Marluke gave him several chances to reform. She never contacted authorities.

Marluke was known to the PSU community, friends and family as a passionate artist and activist.

In announcing the resolution of the case on Thursday, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin represented the state in the case, which resulted in a negotiated plea agreement with the defendant and his counsel. Judge Christopher Marshall accepted the plea and sentenced Harpole on April 15 as follows:

• 240 months for one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree with a Firearm – Constituting Domestic Violence
• 36 months consecutive for one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Constituting Domestic Violence

Additionally, Harpole will serve two years of post-prison supervision. Schmidt also said that has begun serving his state prison term.

The DA said his office wishes to thank the Portland Police Bureau officers and detectives who assisted with this case, as well as the victim advocate who supported Ms. Marluke’s family.

"It is hoped that the resolution of this case will allow Ms. Marluke’s family and friends to move forward in the grieving process and find some peace," he said.