Alameda District Attorney imposes maximum sentence on 39-year-old convicted rapist

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price speaks during a press conference in Oakland on Nov. 7, 2023. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/ via Getty Images)

(KRON) — Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price sentenced 39-year-old Keith Kenard Asberry Jr. to 75 years to life in prison plus 36 years – the maximum sentence allowed by law for charges of kidnapping, rape, burglary and assault. The prosecutor announced the decision Friday.

In 2008, Asberry accosted a juvenile as she got into her car on Alston Way near Berkeley High School. Evidence showed Asberry used a gun to force the minor to drive to a dead-end street where a sexual assault occurred. After the assault, Asberry Jr. forced the victim to use her bank card to withdraw $200 from her bank account, prosecutors said.

In 2015, Asberry entered the victim’s home as she was finishing unloading her car after a shopping trip. Prosecutors said a brief, heated struggle ensued when the victim fought Asberry off, causing him to run out the door.

The jury found Asberry guilty of the following crimes:

• Kidnapping for the purpose of committing a sex crime with true findings regarding the allegation of use of a firearm
• Kidnapping for the purpose of robbery with true findings on the charge of using a firearm
• Violent entry with findings on allegations of use of a firearm
• Aggravated kidnapping, bondage and forced oral sex with true findings regarding allegations of the use of a firearm
• Aggravated kidnapping, bondage and rape with true findings regarding allegations of use of a firearm
• First degree burglary with a true assertion of the presence of a person and minor bodily harm

“Today’s conviction is a testament to our commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual
violence,” said DA Price. “Keith Asberry’s actions were heinous and this sentence reflects the
seriousness of the crime and its impact on the victim. I commend the work of the prosecution team, the inspector in charge of the case and the victim-witness advocates for the services and support provided to victims.”