Keonte Gathron Faces Two Life Sentences for 2019 Murder of 88-Year-Old Yik Oi Huang

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Eric Fleming has indicated that Keonte Gathron, 25, will likely receive two life sentences, including one without the possibility of parole, for the brutal 2019 attack that led to the death of 88-year-old Yik Oi Huang in Visitacion Valley. The San Francisco Chronicle reported, "The 25-year-old man convicted in the brutal killing of an 88-year-old grandmother in Visitacion Valley will likely face life in prison without the possibility of parole, San Francisco judge said." This decision follows Gathron's conviction earlier this month on numerous charges stemming from a two-week crime spree.

Gathron was found guilty of first-degree murder, eight robberies, kidnapping for robbery, two carjackings, two burglaries, elder abuse, and child endangerment. Prosecutors highlighted that Gathron specifically targeted vulnerable individuals, including elderly people and minors, many of whom were of Asian descent or spoke little English. The series of violent crimes occurred in January 2019, culminating in the attack on Huang.

Yik Oi Huang, affectionately known as "Grandma Huang," was attacked during her morning walk in a Visitacion Valley park, now renamed Yik Oi Huang Peace and Friendship Park in her honor. She was found with severe injuries, including a broken skull, arms, and neck, and her home was burglarized shortly after the assault. Huang succumbed to her injuries in January 2020, a year after the initial attack.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stated that Gathron is now being held accountable for his "heinous crimes that targeted vulnerable victims," expressing hope that the sentence brings a sense of justice to the victims and their families. During the trial, Gathron represented himself, denying culpability and alleging police manipulation of evidence. He plans to appeal the conviction and sentencing.

The case deeply impacted San Francisco's Asian American community, predating the broader rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic. Huang's daughters and grandchildren spoke movingly in court, recounting her journey as a hardworking immigrant who realized her dream of owning a home in San Francisco. Judge Fleming postponed the final sentencing until next week to ensure Gathron received a presentence report.