Robert Brandon Keller, 32, has been convicted of murdering a man who kindly offered him a ride, in a case marked by extreme violence and self-mutilation.

On July 1, 2026, a jury in Bulloch County, Georgia, found Keller guilty on all ten counts, including murder, aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. He now faces two consecutive life sentences plus an additional 25 years in prison.

The Crime

On the night of October 14, 2024, Bruce Dupree, who had stopped to help hitchhiker Keller, was brutally stabbed multiple times. Dupree was later found bleeding on the side of Interstate 16, desperately waving down passing cars for help. He died at the scene from injuries to his torso, head, hands, arms, and neck.

Authorities arrested Keller shortly afterward at a nearby motel following a brief foot chase. Prosecutors said the attack occurred while Keller was under the influence of drugs.

The Bizarre Self-Mutilation

After his arrest, Keller inflicted horrific injuries on himself: he gouged out both of his eyes and bit off part of his own tongue. According to investigators, Keller later admitted he did this in hopes of being sent to a medical facility rather than a standard prison.

Court Reaction

During sentencing, Judge Matthew Hube condemned Keller’s actions, stating:

“Mr. Keller represented the worst of us. He took advantage of someone who was trying to help, and left a trail of wreckage in his wake.”

The case has drawn significant attention due to its shocking details, highlighting both the senseless murder of a Good Samaritan and the perpetrator’s extreme attempt to manipulate the prison system.
Source: https://people.com/murderer-gouged-out-eyes-bizarre-reason-12011560