Fatal Oakbrook Terrace Attack: Skateboarder Held On $1M Bond

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL — Bond has been set at $1 million for a California skateboarder accused of beating a Wheaton man to death at a hotel in Oakbrook Terrace in late July.

Terry Kennedy, 36, a professional skateboarder from Long Beach, was initially charged with aggravated battery in the July 27 death of Josiah Kassahun, 23, of Wheaton. The charges against Kennedy were upgraded on Aug. 2 to include a charge of first degree murder.

The upgraded charges came after Kassahun's autopsy was completed, a news release from DuPage Count State's Attorney's Office said.

Prosecutors say Kassahun was found "unconscious and bleeding from the head" in the parking lot of Comfort Suites Motel, 17W445 Roosevelt Rd., just after 11 a.m. on July 27, the news release said. Kassahun was taken to a nearby hospital and was transported to Rush Hospital, where he died on July 31.

Related: Skateboarder Accused Of Murdering Wheaton Man: Report

Police say Kennedy, Kassahun and Kennedy's former girlfriend were in the parking lot outside Comfort Suites Motel when Kennedy became angry. Kassahun told Kennedy to calm down, according to police, at which time Kennedy is accused of punching him in the face and causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

Kennedy is further accused of kicking Kassahun in the torso while the latter was on the ground. Shortly after, police found Kennedy in Wheaton and took him into custody.

“On July 27, 2021, Terry Kennedy allegedly punched Josiah Kassahun after becoming enraged for no apparent reason, causing Josiah to strike his head on the pavement,” DuPage County State's Attorney said in a statement. Berlin continued, “I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kassahun as they mourn this senseless loss of life.

Kennedy is set to appear in court again on Aug. 23.