With jury selection completed on Friday, the trial of Keonte Gathron for the murder of 88-year-old ‘Grandma’ Yik Oi Huang starts on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, nearly seven years after Gathron’s arrest. The proceedings will take place in Dept. 26 at the San Francisco Hall of Justice (850 Bryant Street) starting at 9 a.m. before Judge Eric Fleming, who told potential jurors their service would be completed by Oct. 31.
The brutal attack happened before the rise in attacks on Asian Americans, particularly elders, that prompted the Stop Asian Hate movement. Eighteen when he committed the crime, the now 25-year-old Gathron has been in jail awaiting trial after numerous delays, for which San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has blamed Gathron’s defense attorneys, but in a surprise turn of events, Gathron has decided to defend himself.
While it may sound unusual, it is legal, though judges must assess whether a defendant is competent to represent themselves. Factors Judge Fleming must consider include Gathron’s age, education level, and familiarity with legal procedures. Fleming also must ensure that Gathron understands the seriousness of the charges and the risks involved in Self-representation.
BRUTAL ATTACK AND CRIME SPREE
On Jan. 8, 2019, prosecutors say Gathron brutally beat Huang at a Visitacion Valley playground she regularly visited for morning exercise. According to police, Gathron then burglarized her home across the street until a witness appeared, causing him to flee…