Robert Brandon Keller, 32, is facing murder charges for the death of 43-year-old Bruce Dupree, whose body was discovered on the side of an interstate in Bulloch County, Georgia, on October 14, 2024. Despite shocking self-mutilation in custody, Keller was ruled competent to stand trial after a competency hearing.
Murder Charges and Arrest
Keller was arrested after an employee at Pojo’s restaurant noticed him with “blood on his hands” and “blood on the cash he paid with.” He was later linked to the stabbing death of Bruce Dupree, who was found with multiple stab wounds.
Keller faces charges including two counts of murder, armed robbery, hijacking a motor vehicle, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife in the commission of a felony.
Shocking Acts of Self-Mutilation
While in custody, Keller shocked authorities by removing both of his eyes and biting off a portion of his tongue. These disturbing acts of self-harm led to a competency hearing to assess his mental state before his trial could proceed.
Competency Evaluation and Ruling
Psychologists Dr. Jeremy Gay and Dr. Daniel Fass were appointed to evaluate Keller’s mental state. Despite Keller’s extreme self-mutilation, both doctors concluded he was competent to stand trial.
They stated that his actions occurred after the alleged criminal activity and that he did not suffer from any delusional compulsion or an inability to understand right from wrong during the crime.
Dr. Fass further explained that Keller did not exhibit signs of a severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. He also noted that Keller’s intellectual functioning and ability to answer questions were above average compared to others he had evaluated.
Keller’s Statements During the Hearing
During the competency hearing, two jailers testified that Keller told them he was “not mental” and claimed to hear voices as an excuse for his behavior. Following the evaluation, both psychologists ruled that Keller was competent to stand trial, despite his acts of self-mutilation. The competency ruling was officially filed on February 10, 2026.
Trial Date Still Pending
Keller’s trial date has not been scheduled yet. However, he remains in custody as he faces charges related to the murder of Bruce Dupree. The legal proceedings are ongoing.
