Court documents: Tucumcari victim bludgeoned to death

TUCUMCARI — A Tucumcari man charged with killing 53-year-old Kimberly Draman confessed to police that he hit her in the head with a car jack, then accidentally backed over her with her car, according to court documents.

Draman's decomposing remains were discovered Oct. 9 on private property near Tucumcari following a three-week hunt for the missing woman.

On Monday, Frank Keller, 45, pleaded not guilty to an open count of murder in Quay County Magistrate court,according to Tim Rose, Tenth Judicial District, Chief Deputy District Attorney.

Keller is also charged with tampering with evidence and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

According to police, Keller led in investigators to Draman's remains.

According to court records:

• Keller said on Sept. 13 he and Draman had driven onto the property where they had a confrontation and he struck her in the head with a car jack. He said he panicked, got in to the car and did not realize Draman was behind the vehicle and ran her over.
• Keller said he fled the scene and returned a few minutes later, moving her body into a shed.
• He told officers he returned to Tucumcari, packed his bags and left for Las Vegas, Nev., where he was later arrested on an unspecified drug charge while driving Draman's car.
• The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator concluded Draman suffered multiple blunt force injuries to her chest and possible bleeding from her head. The OMI said other injuries may be confirmed pending further examinations by an anthropologist.

Keller, a convicted sex offender and accused methamphetamine user, was arrested Sept. 18 driving Draman's car in Las Vegas, Nev.

Keller was extradited from Nevada back to Tucumcari on Oct. 4, Quay County Sheriff Joe Schallert said.

Keller is being held in the Quay County Detention Center without bond.