Current:Home > reviewsJurors picked for trial of man suspected of several killings in Delaware and Pennsylvania -WealthPro Academy
Jurors picked for trial of man suspected of several killings in Delaware and Pennsylvania
View
Date:2025-04-17 18:13:41
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The trial of a suspected serial killer who calls himself “the Beast” and is accused in the deaths of several people in Delaware and Pennsylvania during a violent crime spree in 2021 began Monday with jury selection.
A jury panel of 12 was selected for the trial of Keith Gibson, 41, who is being tried for the killings of an Elsmere cellphone store manager and a Wilmington man in separate robberies. The fatal shootings are among a host of charges against Gibson outlined in a 41-count indictment, including assault and attempted murder in two other shootings in Wilmington.
The Philadelphia district attorney has approved murder charges against Gibson for the killings of his mother and a Philadelphia doughnut shop manager, as well as the deaths of two men found shot in the head inside a store in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood in January 2021.
Gibson, dressed in civilian clothes, was handcuffed while escorted in and out of the courtroom Monday. A security officer removed the cuffs after he was seated at the defense table next to attorneys Megan Davies and Richard Sparaco.
More than 80 people have been listed as potential witnesses at the trial, which is expected to last up to four weeks. Attorneys will present their opening statements Tuesday, followed by witness testimony.
Gibson, who has a long criminal history, is accused of going on a violent rampage shortly after being released in December 2020 from a Delaware prison where he served about 13 years for manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
After being identified by Philadelphia police as a suspect in the Feb. 6, 2021, killing of his mother, Christine Gibson, he was charged with violating the terms of his probation by leaving Delaware without permission. Delaware probation officials initially recommended that a judge sentence Gibson to serve the 6½ years remaining on his 20-year sentence in the manslaughter case. They later asked only for a minimum of 30 days after a defense attorney told the judge that Gibson had found work in Philadelphia and that leaving Delaware without permission was just a minor mistake. The judge sentenced him to 31 days, and he was released again April 27, 2021.
Less than three weeks later, prosecutors said, Gibson shot and killed Leslie Ruiz-Basilio, 28, during a robbery at a cellphone store in Elsmere on May 15, then stole her car, which was later found in Philadelphia.
On June 5, Gibson then shot and killed Ronald Wright, 42, during a street robbery in Wilmington, also wounding another man, prosecutors said.
Earlier that same day, Christine Lugo, 40, had been confronted by a gunman as she opened a Dunkin’ shop in north Philadelphia. Police say Gibson pushed her inside, took about $300, shot her in the head and fled to Delaware.
Authorities say Gibson robbed or assaulted three other people in Delaware over the next three days. He was arrested June 8 in connection with the robbery of a Wilmington Rite Aid store, during which a clerk was pistol-whipped. When police arrested him, Gibson was wearing body armor and carrying a knife and loaded handgun.
veryGood! (722)
Related
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- More pandas are coming to the US. This time to San Francisco, the first time since 1985
- When red-hot isn’t enough: New government heat risk tool sets magenta as most dangerous level
- Advocates, man who inspired film ‘Bernie’ ask for air conditioning for him and other Texas inmates
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Tesla cuts prices around the globe amid slowing demand for its EVs
- What is a recession? The economic concept explained. What causes and happens during one.
- EPA Faulted for Wasting Millions, Failing to Prevent Spread of Superfund Site Contamination
- Blake Lively’s Inner Circle Shares Rare Insight on Her Life as a Mom to 4 Kids
- Earth Day: Our Favorite Sustainable Brands That Make a Difference
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Israeli strikes in Rafah kill 18, mostly children, Palestinian officials say
- Nelly Korda puts bid for 6th straight victory on hold after withdrawing from Los Angeles tourney
- Taylor Swift Reveals the Real Meaning Behind The Tortured Poets Department Songs
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Nelly Korda puts bid for 6th straight victory on hold after withdrawing from Los Angeles tourney
- MLB power rankings: The futile Chicago White Sox are the worst team in baseball ... by far
- Several Alabama elementary students hospitalized after van crashes into tree
Recommendation
A steeplechase record at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Then a proposal. (He said yes.)
Prince Louis Is All Grown Up in Royally Sweet 6th Birthday Portrait
Forget green: Purple may be key to finding planets capable of hosting alien life, study says
A suburban Seattle police officer faces murder trial in the death of a man outside convenience store
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Luke Bryan slips on fan's cellphone during concert, jokes he needed to go 'viral'
2024 NFL mock draft: Six QBs make first-round cut as trade possibilities remain
Judge OKs phone surveys of jury pool for man charged in 4 University of Idaho student deaths