RAF Officer, 54, killed in knife attack
www.bbc.co.uk
7th July 2006
A 54-year-old RAF Officer has died following a suspected knife attack in Devon. Police officers responding to a domestic incident were called to Tidcombe Walk, Tiverton, at about 2015 on Thursday 6th July 2006.

The victim, Flight Lieutenant Stephen Keen, 54, from RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire, who was found with wounds to his neck and throat, was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital but died later.

Stephen Keen who has worked at RAF Lyneham for the majority of his distinquished service career was serving on 70 Squadron as an Air Loadmaster examiner. In the last couple of months Stephen was preparing and settling his plans on retirement from the Royal Air Force.

A 55-year-old man was arrested at the scene. A woman was also treated for minor injuries. The Sardinian man appeared in court charged with the murder of an RAF officer who died after being stabbed. Francesco Matta, 55, who gave an address in Cagliari, appeared before magistrates in Exeter, Devon. He was remanded in custody, and is due to appear before Exeter Crown Court on 18 July.

A spokesman for RAF Lyneham has provided the following statement "The RAF can confirm that, tragically, Flight Lieutenant Stephen Keen, who was based at RAF Lyneham, was involved in a fatal incident in Devon on 6th July 2006. The Service's deepest sympathies are extended to his family and friends. They are all in our thoughts and prayers and they are being provided with support at this very difficult time. It would be inappropriate for the RAF to comment further as a Civilian Police investigation is taking place."