A professional skateboarding star from California was ordered to be held on one million dollars bail after charges were upgraded to first-degree murder after he allegedly beat and kicked a man at a Comfort Suites in Oakbrook Terrace last week.
Prosecutors allege just after 11 a.m. July 27, Kennedy, Kassahun, and Kennedy’s ex-girlfriend checked out of a room at the Comfort Suites Motel and were walking to Kennedy’s ex-girlfriend’s car when Kennedy became enraged for no apparent reason.
Kassahun told Kennedy to calm down, and Kennedy punched Kassahun in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement, prosecutors said. Kennedy then allegedly kicked Kassahun in his torso before fleeing the scene in his ex-girlfriend’s car.
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Kassahun, from Wheaton, died July 31 at Rush University Medical Center. An autopsy found he died of blunt force injuries to his head, and the medical examiner’s office ruled the death a homicide, which lead to charges being upgraded.
Kennedy, from Long Beach, California had initially been charged with aggravated battery in a public place, threatening a public official and theft, according to court records.
Kennedy, also known as “Compton-Ass Terry,” is known for his appearances in video games and TV shows like “Viva La Bam” and “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory.” He also has had cameo appearances in music videos featuring artists like Snoop Dogg and Pharrell.
He is due back in court Aug. 23.
