$1 million bail set for star skateboarder charged with beating man to death in Oakbrook Terrace

A professional skateboarding star from California was ordered held on $1 million bail after charges were upgraded to first-degree murder in the beating death of a man at a Comfort Suites in Oakbrook Terrace last week.

Prosecutors say Terry Kennedy, Josiah Kassahun, and Kennedy’s ex-girlfriend checked out of a room at the Comfort Suites Motel just after 11 a.m. on July 27 and were walking to the ex-girlfriend’s car when Kennedy became enraged for no apparent reason.

Kassahun told Kennedy to calm down, and Kennedy punched him in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement, prosecutors said. Kennedy then allegedly kicked Kassahun before fleeing in the ex-girlfriend’s car.

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.

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.