A Baytown woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for robbing and killing a 65-year-old man who used a wheelchair. Alicia Keator, 40, pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced by state District Judge Frank Aguilar. Her boyfriend, Marcus Donnell Gilbert, also pleaded guilty to murder earlier this year and received a 60-year prison sentence.
The victim, John Henry Fernandez, was found on January 2, 2018, with his hands and feet bound and mouth taped shut. He had been suffocated. Fernandez, who was known for his gentle nature, did not have family in the area and relied on others for daily living activities. Keator took advantage of his vulnerability by agreeing to provide assistance in exchange for a place to live.
Instead of helping Fernandez, Keator allowed her boyfriend to frequently visit the apartment. This ultimately led to the planned robbery and murder of Fernandez on Christmas Day 2017. After concerned neighbors alerted apartment management that Fernandez had not been seen for several days, maintenance workers discovered his body locked inside his bedroom.
Keator and Gilbert were arrested by the Baytown Police Department and charged with capital murder. They suffocated Fernandez and stole his television, ATM card, and cellphone. Gilbert pleaded guilty earlier this year and agreed to a plea deal of 60 years in prison. Keator, on the other hand, chose to plead guilty without a plea agreement.
During the sentencing hearing, it was revealed that Keator had provided critical evidence against her co-defendant and had agreed to testify against him, even without the promise of leniency. The judge noted that if Keator hadn’t cooperated fully, she would have received a longer prison term. However, her cooperation led to a 25-year prison sentence.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg emphasized that elderly and disabled individuals are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of violence. She expressed her belief that Keator and Gilbert deserved to spend decades behind bars for their heinous crime.
It is tragic that Fernandez, a kind and grandfatherly figure in his apartment complex, fell victim to such a violent act. Without family nearby, he relied on the kindness of others for support and assistance in his daily life. Keator, instead of fulfilling her role as a caregiver, took advantage of Fernandez’s trust and allowed her boyfriend to carry out the robbery and murder.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The justice system has delivered a strong message by sentencing Keator and Gilbert to lengthy prison terms. It is hoped that this will deter others from preying on the elderly and disabled.
Both Keator and Gilbert must serve at least half of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole. This ensures that they will spend a significant amount of time behind bars before any possibility of release.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Alicia Keator to 25 years in prison highlights the severity of her crime and the vulnerability of elderly and disabled individuals in our society. With her boyfriend, Marcus Donnell Gilbert, she planned and carried out the robbery and murder of a wheelchair-bound man who relied on her for daily assistance. This tragic case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and holding those who exploit them accountable for their actions. The justice system has delivered a strong message by sentencing Keator and Gilbert to lengthy prison terms, and it is hoped that this will serve as a deterrent to others.
