Georgia Jury Finds Man Guilty in Fatal Carjacking Case
A Georgia court has convicted 32-year-old Robert Brandon Keller in connection with the 2024 murder of Bruce Dupree, a man who had stopped to give him a ride while he was hitchhiking. The verdict follows a trial in which prosecutors detailed a violent carjacking that ended with Dupree’s death and a shocking act of self-harm by the accused after his arrest.
Keller was found guilty on ten criminal charges, including murder, aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. The court sentenced him to two consecutive life terms in prison, along with an additional 25 years.
Victim Was Attacked After Offering Help
According to investigators, the incident occurred in October 2024 when Dupree picked up Keller along the roadside. Authorities said Keller, who was allegedly under the influence of drugs at the time, attacked Dupree during an attempted carjacking.
Emergency responders were called after reports of a badly injured man on the side of Interstate 16. Dupree had reportedly managed to seek help after the assault but later died from multiple stab wounds and other serious injuries sustained during the attack.
Law enforcement officers quickly identified Keller as the suspect and arrested him after a brief pursuit at a motel in Bulloch County.
Self-Harm Intended to Secure Medical Prison Transfer
During the investigation, authorities revealed that Keller severely injured himself after being taken into custody by gouging out both of his eyes and biting off part of his tongue.
Testimony presented during the trial indicated that Keller admitted he intentionally carried out the self-inflicted injuries because he believed it would result in his transfer to a medical correctional facility.
The disturbing revelation became one of the most notable aspects of the trial, though prosecutors emphasized that it did not affect the evidence related to the homicide.
Judge Condemns Exploitation of Victim’s Kindness
While delivering the sentence, the presiding judge criticized Keller’s actions, stating that he had taken advantage of the generosity of a stranger who simply stopped to help someone in need.
With the conviction now finalized, Keller will spend the remainder of his life behind bars under the court’s sentence.
