An individual accused of murder who inflicted severe self-harm by gouging out his own eyes and partially cutting his tongue has been deemed mentally competent to face trial.
Robert Brandon Keller, aged 32 and hailing from Georgia in the United States, is set to stand trial for the killing of 43-year-old Bruce Dupree, whose body was found covered in blood on the side of a highway in Bulloch County, Georgia. Dupree succumbed to multiple stab wounds on October 14, 2024.
Keller, identified and apprehended after being seen with blood on his hands and currency at a local store, underwent gruesome self-mutilation while awaiting trial.
Subsequent to his apprehension, Keller was incarcerated in Bulloch County Jail on charges including two counts of murder, armed robbery, carjacking, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during a felony. Requests for bail have been consistently denied.
During his detention, court records obtained by Law&Crime revealed Keller’s self-inflicted injuries, including the removal of both eyes and a portion of his tongue. Images of Keller with empty eye sockets led to a competency evaluation to determine his ability to participate in the legal proceedings.
Psychologists Dr. Jeremy Gay and Dr. Daniel Fass assessed Keller’s mental state and found him capable of standing trial despite his self-harm. Dr. Gay stated that Keller did not exhibit delusional tendencies or an inability to discern right from wrong at the time of the alleged offense.
Dr. Fass, who evaluated Keller in April 2025, noted the absence of severe, persistent mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. He remarked on Keller’s intellectual functioning and court responses being superior to many individuals he evaluates.
During a competency hearing on January 27, jail staff testified that Keller claimed he was not mentally ill and mentioned hearing voices to manipulate the situation. A ruling on Keller’s competence to undergo trial was issued on February 10, with a court date pending scheduling.