Baytown Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Murdering Grandfatherly Man on Christmas
Alicia Keator, a 40-year-old woman from Baytown, Texas, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of John Henry Fernandez, a kind-hearted and beloved man known for his grandfatherly qualities. Keator pleaded guilty to the crime last week, admitting her involvement in the shocking incident that took place on Christmas Day in 2017.
Fernandez, 65, lived alone in a Baytown apartment complex, relying on a wheelchair for mobility and requiring assistance with daily living activities. Despite not having any family in the area, he formed a special bond with Keator, who had agreed to help him with his day-to-day needs in exchange for a place to live.
Tragically, this trust was abused by Keator and her boyfriend, Marcus Donnell Gilbert, 41, also known as Skunk. Together, they hatched a plan to rob and ultimately kill Fernandez. Their malicious intentions came to fruition on that fateful Christmas Day, but it wasn’t until over a week later that Fernandez’s lifeless body was discovered.
Concerned neighbors, noticing Fernandez’s absence, alerted the apartment management, prompting them to investigate. What they found was horrifying. Fernandez’s life had been brutally taken away, his hands and feet bound, his mouth taped shut. The cause of death was determined to be suffocation.
In addition to the heinous act of murder, Keator and Gilbert also stole Fernandez’s TV, ATM card, and phone, further adding to the gravity of their crimes.
Gilbert had previously pleaded guilty to murder and received a sentence of 60 years in prison. However, Keator’s case proceeded differently. She chose to enter a guilty plea without a prearranged agreement, placing her fate solely in the hands of the judge.
During her hearing, it was revealed that Keator played a crucial role in providing critical evidence against Gilbert and even agreed to testify against him, displaying a commendable level of cooperation despite facing charges herself. The judge acknowledged her cooperation and noted that her sentence would have been more severe had it not been for her cooperation.
Commenting on the case, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg stressed the vulnerability of elderly and disabled individuals in communities and expressed her dismay at the couple’s exploitation of Fernandez’s kindness. Ogg firmly believed that justice demanded a significant punishment, asserting that the couple deserved to spend decades behind bars.
Both Keator and Gilbert will have to serve at least half of their respective sentences before becoming eligible for parole, ensuring that they remain incarcerated for a substantial period of time.
The tragic story of John Henry Fernandez serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable members of society. As a community, it is crucial that we remain vigilant in protecting those who may be targeted by individuals seeking to take advantage of their kindness and generosity.
