Evil murderer of pensioner, 88, demands sympathy in court | World | News

A vile murderer who killed an 88-year-old pensioner has demanded sympathy during his trial, claiming he has “suffered himself”. Keonte Gathron, 25, from San Francisco, is facing two life terms plus a further 31 years behind bars for his heinous crimes, which included killing Yik Oi Huang, and a number of other offences where he predominantly targeted Asians. Gathron pleaded not guilty in front of the jury earlier this month, and he refused to apologise during his sentencing. 

According to prosecutors, Gathron attacked Ms Huang in the early hours of January 9, 2019, while she was exercising in a playground near her home. She died one year later after sustaining life-threatening injuries. However, during his sentence, he demanded pity. “I’ve suffered a lot myself,” he said, KTVU reported. “I could relate to the pain, loss, suffering.”

Gathron added: “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.”

Gathron brutally attacked the grandmother when he was 18 years old, leaving her with a broken neck, arms, and skull. She was found with “severe head injuries” at the playground and was rushed to hospital, police said. 

The criminal also robbed seven people during a 13-day period during the same month, with six of the victims being Asian. 

Three pensioners were targeted, and three others were described as “juveniles” who were going to and from school. 

San Francisco’s District Attorney’s office said he chose these victims “because they were alone, distracted, and small”. 

Huang’s family said on GoFundMe that she had “suffered through the massive pain and had been clinging to her life courageously”. 

Sasanna Yee, Huang’s granddaughter, told KTVU: “I did not hear him say what I want to hear him say, which is take accountability, and so that’s upsetting.”

Jeremy Lu, her grandson, added: “It cannot bring back our grandma, and this will last forever,” he told the outlet. “However, her love still remains.”

Gathron represented himself in court and claimed that police had used artificial intelligence to manipulate evidence such as surveillance video or DNA, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

He was charged with first-degree murder, eight counts of robbery, one count of kidnapping for robbery, two counts of carjacking, two counts of burglary, and elder abuse and child endangerment.