A Georgia man who gouged out his own eyes and bit off part of his tongue after stabbing a stranger during a carjacking has been sentenced to life in prison. Robert Keller, 32, was convicted last week on multiple charges, including felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, armed robbery, hijacking a motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of a felony.
Conviction and Sentencing
Keller was found guilty of stabbing Bruce Dupree to death on a Georgia highway in October 2024. The jury deliberated for just over an hour before returning the verdict. During the sentencing hearing, Keller told the judge, "I'm a divine being. I am here by special presentation and appearance of the entity known as Robert Brandon Lewis Keller. I would like the ability to be trusted, to tell the truth, but this is not the setting I trust to do so."
According to The Georgia Virtue, Keller admitted he hurt himself because he wanted to "cover his ass" and be placed in a medical facility. Neither the jury nor the judge accepted this explanation.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Matthew Hube addressed Keller before sentencing, stating, "On Oct. 14, 2024, Mr. Dupree represented the best of us; he stopped and helped someone that he thought was in need. On Oct. 14, 2024, Mr. Keller represented the worst of us. He took advantage of someone trying to help and left a trial of wreckage in his wake. Mr. Keller, only you know why you did what you did. No one else knows and I think no one will ever know."
Keller responded, "Sincerest regards to the family, honestly, but there's a lot more to it. I don't trust this setting in which to tell it."
The Murder
In October 2024, the victim, Bruce William Dupree, 43, stopped on the side of Interstate 16 in Bulloch County, Georgia, presumably to give Keller a ride. Keller was hitchhiking at the time. Under the influence of drugs, Keller attacked Dupree, slashing his throat and dragging his body into the center median of the highway, leaving him to die. A passing driver called 911 after seeing Dupree bloodied and yelling for help. Dupree died from his injuries.
Police tracked Keller down in Dupree's stolen car and arrested him at a motel in Register, Georgia.
Life Sentence
Judge Hube sentenced Keller to two consecutive life sentences without parole, plus an additional 25 years and 20 years on top of that. The self-inflicted injuries—gouging out his own eyes and biting off part of his tongue—did not sway the court.
