Keith Gibson Sentenced to Life After Multi-State Killing Spree

Keith Gibson, a man who dubbed himself "The Beast," was no stranger to crime before his name became synonymous with terror in 2021. With a rap sheet that included manslaughter, weapons charges, assault, and drug dealing, Gibson had already served 13 years in prison before being released in December 2020. But instead of reintegrating into society, police believe he embarked on one of the most horrifying crime sprees in recent history, spanning Philadelphia and Delaware.

First Blood

Authorities believe Gibson's first victims after his release were two Philadelphia shop owners, Eric Flores, 50, and Roy Coban, 42, who were both found shot in the head in January 2021. Ballistic evidence would later link the gun used in their murders to Gibson — but for now, he remained free.

A Son Turns Against His Mother

The next month in February 2021, Christine Gibson — Gibson's own mother — became a victim. The 54-year-old mental health counselor was found shot to death in her Philadelphia office. The most terrifying part? She had reportedly warned loved ones that if anything happened to her, her son would be to blame.

Even after her murder, Gibson wasn't immediately stopped. Instead, he was picked up for a parole violation but released just weeks later, setting the stage for a spree that would leave multiple families shattered.

A String of Brutal Murders and Robberies

Then, in May 2021, he gunned down Leslie Ruiz-Basilio, a 28-year-old Metro PCS employee in Delaware, during a robbery.

Less than a month later, he is accused of killing Christine Lugo, a 40-year-old Philadelphia Dunkin' store manager, in another violent robbery.

But Gibson's spree of terror didn't stop there. Ronald Wright, 42, was shot and killed in Delaware in early June 2021.

Days later, Gibson allegedly attempted to execute Belal Almansoori, a 19-year-old Rite Aid clerk, but the young man miraculously survived after playing dead and later testified at Gibson's trial.

A Final Arrest and a Courtroom Circus

Gibson was finally caught on June 8, 2021, thanks to a GPS tracker cleverly mixed into stolen cash during a robbery. He was found wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a knife and a loaded revolver — evidence that would later be tied to multiple murders.

In November 2023, Gibson was convicted in Delaware for the murders of Leslie Ruiz-Basilio and Ronald Wright and for the attempted murder of Belal Almansoori, in addition to several other charges. He received seven life sentences plus 296 years in prison.

Justice for Philly Victims

But justice wasn't done yet. Families of his Philadelphia victims still wanted their day in court.

In September 2024, Gibson was back in court in Philadelphia, facing additional murder charges for four more victims. But instead of remorse, he displayed contempt, literally. His repeated courtroom outbursts led to him being removed from the hearing and charged with contempt.

Justice Delayed, but Not Denied

While Gibson will never walk free again, prosecutors insist that every victim deserves justice. "I care about these families. I've been asked that question many times about this particular case and, every single person deserves justice," said Philadelphia prosecutor Joanne Pescatore when asked about the significance of recent court proceedings given Gibson's existing life sentences, according to NBC Philadelphia. "I don't care how long it takes."

For the families of those lost, the legal process may take some time, but one thing is certain: "The Beast" has been caged forever.

References: Serial Killer Who Referred To Himself As "The Beast" Accused of Killing 6, Including His Own Mom | Serial killer Keith 'The Beast' Gibson charged with contempt after outbursts in Philly court