Brutal Attack on Elderly Woman Leads to Life Sentences
A 25-year-old San Francisco man has been handed two life terms plus an additional 31 years in prison for the murder of an 88-year-old woman and a series of crimes targeting Asian victims. Keonte Gathron showed no remorse during his sentencing hearing, instead asking the judge for pity while maintaining his innocence.
Gathron was just 18 years old when he attacked Yik Oi Huang on January 9, 2019, as she performed her morning exercises at a Visitacion Valley park playground near her home. The brutal assault left the elderly grandmother with a broken neck, arms and skull.
Wave of Crimes Against Asian Community
Prosecutors revealed that Gathron's attack on Huang was part of a 13-day crime spree during which he robbed seven people. Six of his victims were of Asian descent, including three senior citizens and three juveniles travelling to or from school.
According to the San Francisco District Attorney's office, Gathron specifically targeted victims "because they were alone, distracted and small." Police discovered Huang with severe head injuries after responding to a burglary report at her residence located across from the playground.
Despite emergency hospital treatment, Huang never fully recovered from her injuries and died nearly one year later on January 3, 2020. Her family described how she had "suffered through massive pain and had been clinging for her life courageously" during that difficult year.
Courtroom Drama and Family Anguish
During his sentencing hearing, Gathron represented himself and made baseless claims that police had used artificial intelligence to manipulate surveillance video and DNA evidence. He pleaded not guilty throughout the trial and continued to maintain his innocence at sentencing.
"I've suffered a lot myself," Gathron told the court, according to KTVU reports. "I could relate to the pain, loss, suffering. I've experienced that my entire life, so I understand, and I understand they feel and think I'm responsible, so I don't have any ill feelings."
Huang's family members were present in San Francisco Superior Court to witness the sentencing by Judge Eric Fleming. Her granddaughter, Sasanna Yee, expressed disappointment that Gathron failed to take accountability for his actions.
"I did not hear him say what I want to hear him say, which is take accountability, and so that's upsetting," Yee told reporters. Her grandson, Jeremy Lu, added that while the sentencing offered some comfort, "It cannot bring back our grandma, and this will last forever. However, her love still remains."
The park where Huang was attacked has since been renamed the Yik Oi Huang Peace and Friendship Park in 2022, creating a lasting tribute to the beloved community member. Gathron's final sentencing will be formalised on December 3, according to the San Francisco District Attorney's office.
