An Alexander County man appeared in court on Friday after being charged in the death of a man he allegedly beat.
Casey Bentley appeared in court after he was charged with beating Kenneth Young to death.
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Sheriff’s deputies said Bentley repeatedly struck Young early Monday morning at the Wittenburg access on Lake Hickory. Young later died from his injuries at the hospital. Bentley did not answer any of Channel 9′s questions before the appearance as Dave Faherty was the only reporter in the courtroom.
Faherty got ahold of the 911 calls for the first time.
“How much you know if he may have fallen and hit his head or anything like that?,” the caller said. “Somebody beat him?,” the dispatcher asked.
“Yes sir. He did not just fall,” the caller said. “He was beaten and pulled out of his truck.”
Bentley’s attorney says family members and friends are supporting him. She doesn’t believe he should be charged with murder.
“Casey maintains his innocence. Clearly he wants people to know his story. My advice to him is we need to gather information before we talk about what the facts are,” Attorney Lisa Dubs said.
On Friday, Young’s family shared a handwritten statement with Channel 9 about the events. You can read the full statement below:
“The family of Kenny Young asks respectfully to refrain from judgement, respect our privacy and peace at this stage. We understand that we live in a free nation where we have freedom of speech and freedom of press. Kenny was a disabled combat vet that fought for these freedoms, and he was a devoted paramedic for several counties where he continued to save lives and serve the communities in that capacity. In his death, he was able to save lives of others through the donation of his organs. He was a loving husband, a loving father to 2 girls and a son, and was a new grandfather to a beautiful grandchild. He was devoted brother to two and a devoted friend to many. Kenny stood on strong morals and values in his to day-to-day walk. If you were around him, you knew. We are sensitive to all persons involved in this ongoing investigation, Our utmost sincerity and prayers go with all people involved. After the event Monday morning, many lives were changed. So our prayer is everyone involved will turn it over to the Lord, that they will hang tight to faith and stand on trust.”
The sheriff said investigators learned several teenagers, including Bentley’s 15-year-old daughter, were at a gathering nearby. Deputies are investigating allegations that Young made inappropriate comments to Bentley’s daughter before the assault.
Deputies said when Bentley came to pick her up, Young had left. They said Bentley found Young at the boat access nearby where the two got into an argument and Young was assaulted.
As Bentley turned himself in Thursday, friends and much of his family showed up to support him. They don’t believe he should be charged with murder in the case.
Bentley told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty that he appreciated all the support he’s gotten, saying he’s even heard from people he doesn’t know.
>> Faherty is working to get the 911 call made from that boat landing on Monday and hopes to share that on Eyewitness News starting at 5 p.m.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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