A string of killings across Pennsylvania and Delaware is now at the center of a high-stakes courtroom battle.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – A man accused of carrying out a series of killings across two states, including the fatal shooting of a Dunkin’ manager and his own mother, is now on trial in Philadelphia County, where prosecutors allege a months-long pattern of violence that left multiple victims dead. Keith Gibson, 44, is already convicted in Delaware for what officials described as a “vicious, cold-blooded crime spree,” and now faces additional murder charges tied to incidents in Philadelphia.
The case unfolding this week centers on four Philadelphia victims: Roy Caban, Eric Flores, Christine Lugo, and Gibson’s mother, Christine Gibson. Authorities allege the killings occurred over several months in 2021, beginning shortly after Gibson was released from custody following prior convictions and probation violations.
Timeline of killings across two states
According to prosecutors, the violence began Jan. 28, 2021, when Caban and Flores were shot and killed inside a store in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. Less than two weeks later, Christine Gibson was fatally shot while working at a community center. Authorities allege her son was responsible, though charges were not immediately filed in that case.
Gibson then allegedly traveled to Delaware, where officials say he continued the attacks. “On May 15, 2021, Gibson shot and killed Leslie Ruiz-Basilio, 28, during a robbery at a Metro PCS store on Kirkwood Highway in Elsmere and stole her vehicle,” the Delaware Department of Justice said. “Less than a month later, Gibson shot and killed Ronald Wright, 42, during a robbery,” the agency added. “Over the following three days, Gibson robbed and/or assaulted another three victims, including attempted murder against one, along with a host of weapons and drug offenses.”
Authorities say Gibson later returned to Philadelphia by early June.
Dunkin’ manager killed during robbery attempt
On June 5, 2021, prosecutors allege Gibson targeted a Dunkin’ location on the 500 block of West Lehigh Avenue. Christine Lugo, 40, was the manager on duty when he entered the store.
Investigators say Gibson forced Lugo to the cash register, took approximately $300, and then shot her before fleeing. Lugo died from her injuries, and the case became one of the most prominent in the string of killings.
Gibson was arrested days later after authorities say he robbed a Rite Aid in Wilmington, Delaware, and assaulted a clerk.
Family members speak as trial begins
As testimony begins in Philadelphia, relatives of the victims have filled the courtroom, seeking accountability and answers. Frances Rodriguez, Lugo’s daughter, spoke about the emotional toll of the case.
“I deserve to have my day in court where I get to speak on the impact that his choices made on my life, my children’s life, my family’s life,” Rodriguez told WCAU. “And I’m sure that the other three families of the victims, the other three victims are in the same sentiment as me, where we feel our family members deserve to have their day in court, have their story be heard.”
Court records show Gibson had previously been convicted of manslaughter and a gun charge in 2010, served time, and was released before later violating probation. He was free again by January 2021, shortly before the alleged killings began.
The trial is scheduled to continue Thursday, with no clear timeline yet for when jurors will begin deliberations.
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