The murder trial of convicted serial killer Keith Gibson began in Philadelphia on Monday, with jurors hearing opening statements and testimony tied to a series of killings prosecutors say occurred during a 2021 crime spree. Prosecutors allege Gibson is responsible for four murders committed betwe en January and June 2021. The charges stem from the shooting deaths of Roy Caban and Eric Flores, the killing of Gibson’s mother, Christine Gibson, and the fatal shooting of Dunkin’ manager Christine Lugo during a robbery in Northeast Philadelphia. Several emotional moments unfolded in the courtroom as jurors were shown photographs of Flores and Caban. Family members of the victims also attended the proceedings. Frances Rodriguez, the daughter of Christine Lugo, said she plans to travel from Massachusetts to attend the trial later this week. “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 said. “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. Because this is not a story about Keith Gibson. This is a story about Christine Lugo and the other four victims from Pennsylvania that he decided it was time to end their lives.” Gibson did not appear in the courtroom for the start of the trial. The judge allowed him to watch the proceedings remotely after he raised concerns about his shackles. According to prosecutors, the case began with the shooting deaths of Caban and Flores inside a store on Germantown Avenue. Days later, investigators say Gibson shot and killed his mother at her workplace. Prosecutors also allege Gibson fatally shot Lugo during an early morning robbery in Northeast Philadelphia. After opening statements, jurors heard testimony from some of the first officers who responded to the Germantown Avenue double homicide, the medical examiner assigned to the case and crime scene personnel who processed the scene. The defense argued investigators connected the cases to Gibson without sufficient evidence and failed to conduct a thorough investigation. For the victims’ families, the start of the trial provided an opportunity to hear the evidence presented in court. Some family members were visibly emotional throughout the day’s proceedings. Philadelphia Sep 25, 2024 Serial killer Keith ‘The Beast' Gibson charged with contempt after outbursts in Philly court Philadelphia Apr 24, 2024 Philly families await justice as serial killer, ‘The Beast,' sits in Delaware prison Philadelphia Mar 13, 2024 Suspected Philly serial killer sentenced to 7 life terms, 296 years in prison Crime and Courts Nov 1, 2023 Jurors in serial killings trial view video footage of Delaware shootings Crime and Courts Oct 31, 2023 Jurors picked for trial of so-called ‘The Beast' suspected of several killings in Del., Pa. Philadelphia Jul 9, 2021 Suspected Serial Killer Will Face 2 More Murder Charges in Philadelphia Philadelphia Jun 11, 2021 Timeline: How Man Suspected in 6 Murders Was on the Street Gibson is already serving multiple life sentences in Delaware for a separate series of murders and robberies committed in 2021. Those convictions include the killing of T-Mobile employee Leslie Ruiz-Basilio. A Delaware judge sentenced Gibson to seven life terms plus 296 years in prison. Testimony is expected to continue Tuesday with additional law enforcement witnesses as prosecutors continue presenting evidence in the case. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less