Robbers Kill 35-Year-Old Baby-Sitter

A 35-year-old man baby-sitting three children at a Spring Valley apartment was shot to death Tuesday night by a pair of robbers, sheriff’s officials said.

Dead from a gunshot wound in his chest was Michael Hugh Keough, who had been watching three children at their home in the 3500 block of Gracia Paseo, Sgt. Manny Castillo said. Two of the children were sleeping about 9:30 p.m., and a third 12-year-old boy was outside with Keough when he was approached by two men.

Keough willingly entered the apartment with the men, but later, when the boy entered the bedroom, he saw Keough lying on the floor, Castillo said. At that point, Keough told the boy that a robbery was taking place and to stay put.

Moments later Keough moved from the bedroom to the living room, where he was apparently shot by one of the suspects, Castillo said.

The boy, who didn’t witness the shooting, ran to neighbors for help, Castillo said. Keough was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he died a short time later.

Castillo said it has not been determined whether the suspects knew the victim or the apartment’s tenants. Drug activity has not been ruled out as a motive for the robbery and homicide, Castillo said.