Keonte Gathron Convicted of Murder and 25 Felony Counts in San Francisco Crime Spree

San Francisco, CA – A San Francisco jury has found Keonte Gathron, 25, guilty of murder in the 2019 fatal beating of 88-year-old Yik Oi Huang, along with 25 other felony counts. The verdict, delivered Tuesday, November 4, 2025, concludes a lengthy trial that saw Gathron represent himself against charges including carjackings, armed robberies, and burglaries, many targeting victims of Asian descent.

The most prominent charge stemmed from the brutal attack on Yik Oi Huang, affectionately known as "Grandma Huang," who was assaulted while practicing qigong in a Visitacion Valley park in January 2019. Huang succumbed to her injuries approximately a year later, leading prosecutors to upgrade the charge from attempted murder to murder. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stated, "We are pleased to announce Mr. Gathron has been found guilty of numerous counts. Most importantly in the murder of Mrs. Huang, an 88-year-old grandmother who simply out doing her morning exercise. He is now being held accountable, finally, after so many years for this family having to wait to receive justice."

Gathron's crime spree in early 2019 involved multiple incidents, including the carjacking of Dhung My Chung and the robbery of Guifeng Yu, among others. Prosecutors highlighted a pattern where victims were often alone, distracted, and of Asian ancestry, although the crimes were not officially charged as hate crimes. Charles Jung, an attorney and organizer for the Asian Justice Movement, described the verdict as a "painful affirmation" of persistent anti-Asian violence, noting, "This case proves that the pattern was here long before, and it continues long after the headlines have faded."

The trial, marked by Gathron's self-representation and reported erratic courtroom behavior, brought a sense of closure to Huang's family and the broader community. Susanna Yee, Huang’s granddaughter, expressed relief, stating, "We feel a sense of closure, we can take a deep breath. And now we wait for sentencing." The park where Huang was attacked was renamed Yik Oi Huang Peace and Friendship Park in June 2024, honoring her memory and promoting community healing.

Gathron now faces a potential life sentence, with his sentencing date yet to be determined. The conviction aims to provide justice for the victims and address the community's long-standing concerns regarding safety and accountability following the series of violent attacks.