Man Sentenced to Life for Brutal Attack on Grandmother
A 25-year-old man is facing life behind bars after being convicted of a fatal assault on an 88-year-old grandmother in San Francisco. Keonte Gathron was found guilty of a series of violent crimes, including the murder of Yik Oi Huang, a case that deeply rattled the city's Asian American community.
A Violent Crime Spree and a Tragic Loss
The convictions stem from a two-week crime rampage in January 2019. Authorities stated that Gathron specifically targeted victims of Asian descent or those who spoke little English. His most devastating act was the attack on Huang during her morning walk. She was discovered severely injured at a playground in the Visitacion Valley neighbourhood, her home area. The injuries were horrific, including breaks to her skull, arms, and neck.
In a further cruel twist, her home was burglarised mere minutes after the assault. Although Huang received long-term medical care, her injuries proved fatal, and she died in January 2020.
Courtroom Drama and Community Impact
During the trial, Gathron chose to represent himself, denying any responsibility for the crimes. He accused police of manipulating surveillance video and DNA evidence but failed to produce any proof for his claims. In an emotional scene, Huang's three daughters and several grandchildren addressed the court in both English and Cantonese. They painted a picture of a hard-working woman who had been a garment factory employee in China, realised her dream of moving to the United States, and owned a home in San Francisco.
Despite a tearful statement in which he claimed to “understand the pain and loss,” Gathron maintained his innocence. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Eric Fleming announced his intention to sentence Gathron to two life sentences, plus over 30 years for additional offences. The formal sentencing was postponed for one week due to a missing presentence report. Gathron has stated he plans to appeal the verdict.
The case preceded the wider surge of anti-Asian hate crimes seen during the pandemic, leaving a lasting mark on the community. In a tribute to Huang, the park where she was attacked was renamed the Yik Oi Huang Peace and Friendship Park last year.
