Suspect Found Guilty in 2019 Murder of 88-Year-Old Woman

BREAKING: Keonte Gathron has been found guilty of murdering Yik Oi Huang, an 88-year-old woman, during a brutal attack in San Francisco in 2019. The jury delivered its verdict on October 31, 2023, convicting Gathron on 25 counts, including murder, robbery, and multiple assaults against vulnerable victims.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins expressed relief, stating, “We are pleased to announce Mr. Gathron has been found guilty of numerous counts. Most importantly, in the murder of Mrs. Huang, who was simply out doing her morning exercise.” This verdict brings a long-awaited sense of justice for Huang’s family, who have endured years of pain since the attack.

On the morning of January 3, 2020, Huang was walking in Visitacion Valley when Gathron brutally assaulted her, leaving her for dead at a playground. After the attack, he entered her home and fled the scene, only to be arrested later for another robbery. Huang succumbed to her injuries at Laguna Honda Hospital a year later, marking a tragic end to her courageous fight for life.

Gathron’s crimes extend beyond Huang. Jenkins highlighted that many of the charges relate to other victims, primarily of Asian descent, and include armed robberies and carjackings. “Mr. Gathron was facing numerous counts related to multiple incidents,” Jenkins noted.

As Gathron awaits sentencing, which could result in a life sentence, the community reflects on the tragic events that unfolded. In June 2024, the park where Huang was attacked was renamed to honor her legacy as the Yik Oi Huang Peace and Friendship Park, aiming to foster healing within the community.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow this critical case and its implications for community safety and justice.