Leroy Keith (Criminal)
American Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Ohio, United States
TIME PERIOD
November 1934 – July 23, 1959
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Leroy Keith, an American serial killer, committed a series of murders during robberies in Ohio and New York between November 1934 and December 1956, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. His criminal activities began with the murder of Fred Greist on July 24, 1934, in Warren, Ohio, where he shot Greist after demanding he exit his vehicle. Keith was apprehended shortly thereafter and initially sentenced to death, but his conviction was later reduced to second-degree murder, leading to a life sentence. After being paroled, he killed two more victims before being captured again and ultimately executed by electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on July 23, 1959. Significant evidence included witness testimony linking him to the initial murder and a history of violent behavior while incarcerated, contributing to his notorious reputation.
Leroy Keith is believed to have committed his murders during robberies, with some speculation suggesting he may have had accomplices or that he acted alone due to his history of auto theft and burglary. There are theories that his violent tendencies escalated after his initial release on parole, leading to additional killings. Some investigators think that his crimes were part of a larger pattern of violence that went unnoticed until he was finally apprehended.
The Lethal Journey of Leroy Keith
Early Life and Criminal Roots
Leroy Keith, born in 1907 in Warren, Ohio, would become an infamous name in American criminal history. Known by various monikers like "Cut," "Frisco," and "New York," Keith's life was a testament to crime's relentless grip over some individuals. His journey from a small-town criminal to a notorious serial killer paints a chilling picture of a man whose life was marked by violence and death.
The Murder of Fred Greist
On July 24, 1934, Fred Greist, a 52-year-old mill worker, became Keith's first known victim. Sitting in his parked car outside a movie theater in Warren, Ohio, Greist was approached by a young man demanding his vehicle. Whether Greist resisted is unclear, but as he stepped out, a bullet pierced his heart, ending his life instantly. The investigation swiftly led to Ernest Baugh, who implicated Keith, a local with a record of auto theft and burglary. Baugh revealed that Keith, in need of a getaway vehicle for a planned robbery, had resorted to murder.
Keith's capture followed soon after, with police finding him in a stolen car from Akron. Charged with first-degree murder, he faced a death sentence handed down by Justice Lynn B. Griffith. However, a successful appeal reduced his conviction to second-degree murder, resulting in a life sentence at Ohio State Penitentiary. Known for his violent tendencies, Keith quickly earned the nickname "Cut" for his penchant for attacking inmates with razor blades.
A Dangerous Prisoner and a Failed Escape
Keith's notoriety grew within the prison walls. On December 7, 1936, he participated in a failed escape attempt with fellow inmates, including lifer Joseph Filkowski. The plan involved overpowering guards and taking hostages, but it ultimately failed. Despite his dangerous reputation, Keith was considered for parole in 1945, but Justice Griffith strongly opposed his release, deeming him a menace to society.
It wasn't until October 13, 1953, that Keith was transferred to London Correctional Facility. Three years later, without Griffith's consultation, the parole board granted Keith's release. On March 6, 1956, he walked free, initially intending to reside with relatives in New York before changing his plans to return to Ohio.
Coburn Von Gunten: A Fatal Encounter
In Ohio, Keith resumed his criminal activities, this time alongside ex-convict Louis Johnson and 16-year-old Joseph Reinthaler. The trio eyed several robberies but failed to execute their plans. On the night before Thanksgiving, they sought a getaway vehicle, leading to the tragic encounter with Coburn Von Gunten, a McNeil Machine & Engineering Company executive. When Von Gunten resisted, Keith shot him twice. Despite his injuries, Von Gunten managed to start his car, but Keith shot him again before fleeing the scene.
Von Gunten succumbed to his wounds at Summa St. Thomas Hospital, and Reinthaler, captured after a police chase, fingered Keith and Johnson as the culprits. The revelation sparked outrage, particularly toward the parole board for releasing such a dangerous individual. Although Johnson turned himself in and was cleared of a separate double murder, he and Reinthaler faced charges for Von Gunten's murder. Johnson's sentence was mitigated by a jury's mercy recommendation, while Reinthaler received an indeterminate sentence at Ohio Reform School.
The Killing of David Suro
Keith's spree continued as he evaded capture, eventually reaching New York City. There, a series of robberies matched his method, prompting police to stake out his mother's Bronx apartment. On December 19, a fateful night unfolded when cab driver David Suro picked up Keith and his accomplices. When Suro realized he was being robbed, he courageously crashed his taxi into a nearby police car, thwarting the getaway. Keith fired twice at Suro, fatally wounding him, but the chaos allowed officers to corner Keith after a tense pursuit through Harlem's crowded streets.
With gunfire exchanged, Keith was ultimately subdued by Sgt. Richard Boland and Officer James J. Connelly, who shot him five times. Both Keith and Suro were rushed to Fordham Hospital. Despite his injuries, Keith's life was saved by surgery, though Suro died the next day. The bravery displayed by Suro earned his widow a $2,500 reward, honoring his sacrifice.
Trial and Execution
Following his recovery, Keith faced trial in January 1958. The proceedings lasted 13 days, culminating in a guilty verdict and a death sentence. Sent to Sing Sing Prison, Keith awaited his fate in isolation, receiving no visitors during his 18-month stay. His execution, initially delayed twice, was finally scheduled for July 23, 1959. On this day, Keith walked into the execution chamber, expressing disappointment in Governor Rockefeller before being strapped into the electric chair. His final words, "Sooner or later, we all come to justice," resonated as a grim acknowledgment of his inevitable end.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder: Fred Greist
Leroy Keith shoots and kills Fred Greist during a robbery attempt.
Escape Attempt
Keith participates in a failed escape attempt from Ohio State Penitentiary.
Parole Granted
Leroy Keith is released on parole after serving time for murder.
Murder of Coburn Von Gunten
Keith shoots and kills Coburn Von Gunten during a robbery attempt.
Murder of David Suro
Keith kills cab driver David Suro during a robbery in New York City.
Trial Begins
Leroy Keith's trial begins after his capture for the murders.
Convicted and Sentenced
Keith is found guilty and sentenced to death.
Execution
Leroy Keith is executed by electric chair at Sing Sing Prison.
Leroy Keith, an American serial killer, committed a series of murders during robberies in Ohio and New York between November 1934 and December 1956, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. His criminal activities began with the murder of Fred Greist on July 24, 1934, in Warren, Ohio, where he shot Greist after demanding he exit his vehicle. Keith was apprehended shortly thereafter and initially sentenced to death, but his conviction was later reduced to second-degree murder, leading to a life sentence. After being paroled, he killed two more victims before being captured again and ultimately executed by electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on July 23, 1959. Significant evidence included witness testimony linking him to the initial murder and a history of violent behavior while incarcerated, contributing to his notorious reputation.
Leroy Keith is believed to have committed his murders during robberies, with some speculation suggesting he may have had accomplices or that he acted alone due to his history of auto theft and burglary. There are theories that his violent tendencies escalated after his initial release on parole, leading to additional killings. Some investigators think that his crimes were part of a larger pattern of violence that went unnoticed until he was finally apprehended.
The Lethal Journey of Leroy Keith
Early Life and Criminal Roots
Leroy Keith, born in 1907 in Warren, Ohio, would become an infamous name in American criminal history. Known by various monikers like "Cut," "Frisco," and "New York," Keith's life was a testament to crime's relentless grip over some individuals. His journey from a small-town criminal to a notorious serial killer paints a chilling picture of a man whose life was marked by violence and death.
The Murder of Fred Greist
On July 24, 1934, Fred Greist, a 52-year-old mill worker, became Keith's first known victim. Sitting in his parked car outside a movie theater in Warren, Ohio, Greist was approached by a young man demanding his vehicle. Whether Greist resisted is unclear, but as he stepped out, a bullet pierced his heart, ending his life instantly. The investigation swiftly led to Ernest Baugh, who implicated Keith, a local with a record of auto theft and burglary. Baugh revealed that Keith, in need of a getaway vehicle for a planned robbery, had resorted to murder.
Keith's capture followed soon after, with police finding him in a stolen car from Akron. Charged with first-degree murder, he faced a death sentence handed down by Justice Lynn B. Griffith. However, a successful appeal reduced his conviction to second-degree murder, resulting in a life sentence at Ohio State Penitentiary. Known for his violent tendencies, Keith quickly earned the nickname "Cut" for his penchant for attacking inmates with razor blades.
A Dangerous Prisoner and a Failed Escape
Keith's notoriety grew within the prison walls. On December 7, 1936, he participated in a failed escape attempt with fellow inmates, including lifer Joseph Filkowski. The plan involved overpowering guards and taking hostages, but it ultimately failed. Despite his dangerous reputation, Keith was considered for parole in 1945, but Justice Griffith strongly opposed his release, deeming him a menace to society.
It wasn't until October 13, 1953, that Keith was transferred to London Correctional Facility. Three years later, without Griffith's consultation, the parole board granted Keith's release. On March 6, 1956, he walked free, initially intending to reside with relatives in New York before changing his plans to return to Ohio.
Coburn Von Gunten: A Fatal Encounter
In Ohio, Keith resumed his criminal activities, this time alongside ex-convict Louis Johnson and 16-year-old Joseph Reinthaler. The trio eyed several robberies but failed to execute their plans. On the night before Thanksgiving, they sought a getaway vehicle, leading to the tragic encounter with Coburn Von Gunten, a McNeil Machine & Engineering Company executive. When Von Gunten resisted, Keith shot him twice. Despite his injuries, Von Gunten managed to start his car, but Keith shot him again before fleeing the scene.
Von Gunten succumbed to his wounds at Summa St. Thomas Hospital, and Reinthaler, captured after a police chase, fingered Keith and Johnson as the culprits. The revelation sparked outrage, particularly toward the parole board for releasing such a dangerous individual. Although Johnson turned himself in and was cleared of a separate double murder, he and Reinthaler faced charges for Von Gunten's murder. Johnson's sentence was mitigated by a jury's mercy recommendation, while Reinthaler received an indeterminate sentence at Ohio Reform School.
The Killing of David Suro
Keith's spree continued as he evaded capture, eventually reaching New York City. There, a series of robberies matched his method, prompting police to stake out his mother's Bronx apartment. On December 19, a fateful night unfolded when cab driver David Suro picked up Keith and his accomplices. When Suro realized he was being robbed, he courageously crashed his taxi into a nearby police car, thwarting the getaway. Keith fired twice at Suro, fatally wounding him, but the chaos allowed officers to corner Keith after a tense pursuit through Harlem's crowded streets.
With gunfire exchanged, Keith was ultimately subdued by Sgt. Richard Boland and Officer James J. Connelly, who shot him five times. Both Keith and Suro were rushed to Fordham Hospital. Despite his injuries, Keith's life was saved by surgery, though Suro died the next day. The bravery displayed by Suro earned his widow a $2,500 reward, honoring his sacrifice.
Trial and Execution
Following his recovery, Keith faced trial in January 1958. The proceedings lasted 13 days, culminating in a guilty verdict and a death sentence. Sent to Sing Sing Prison, Keith awaited his fate in isolation, receiving no visitors during his 18-month stay. His execution, initially delayed twice, was finally scheduled for July 23, 1959. On this day, Keith walked into the execution chamber, expressing disappointment in Governor Rockefeller before being strapped into the electric chair. His final words, "Sooner or later, we all come to justice," resonated as a grim acknowledgment of his inevitable end.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder: Fred Greist
Leroy Keith shoots and kills Fred Greist during a robbery attempt.
Escape Attempt
Keith participates in a failed escape attempt from Ohio State Penitentiary.
Parole Granted
Leroy Keith is released on parole after serving time for murder.
Murder of Coburn Von Gunten
Keith shoots and kills Coburn Von Gunten during a robbery attempt.
Murder of David Suro
Keith kills cab driver David Suro during a robbery in New York City.
Trial Begins
Leroy Keith's trial begins after his capture for the murders.
Convicted and Sentenced
Keith is found guilty and sentenced to death.
Execution
Leroy Keith is executed by electric chair at Sing Sing Prison.