Oakbrook Terrace police (Chuck Fieldman / Pioneer Press)

       A 36-year-old California man was ordered held on $1 million after being charged with murder from a July 27 fight in Oakbrook Terrace which resulted in the death of a 23-year-old man a few days later.

       Terry Kennedy, of Long Beach, California, was charged with first-degree murder on August 2, in addition to an earlier aggravated battery charge, after the death of Josiah Kassahun on July 31, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Oakbrook Terrace Police Chief Casey Calvello announced Monday.

       Kennedy appeared at a bond hearing Monday where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $1 million with 10% to apply.

       According to a news release, Kennedy was initially charged with battery after punching Kassahun in the face which caused him to hit his head on the pavement. On July 28, Kennedy appeared at a bond hearing where bond was set at $100,000.

       On July 27, around 11 a.m. Oakbrook Terrace police responded to a call of an assault at the Comfort Inn, on Roosevelt Road. When police officers arrived they found Kassahun on ground in the parking lot, unconscious and bleeding from the head, the release said. He was taken to a hospital by paramedics.

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       After an investigation, police allege that during the morning of July 27, Kennedy Kassahun and Kennedy’s ex-girlfriend checked out of a room at Comfort Suites Motel and were walking to the ex-girlfriend’s car when Kennedy became enraged for no apparent reason, the release said.

       Kassahun allegedly told Kennedy to calm down and Kennedy punched him the face, causing him to fall to the ground and strike his head, according to police. Kennedy then allegedly kicked Kassahun in his torso before fleeing the scene in his ex-girlfriend’s car.

       Wheaton Police later located Kennedy in Wheaton and apprehended him after a short chase. Kassahun underwent emergency surgery and then was transported to Rush Hospital in Chicago. He was placed on life support and succumbed to his injuries on July 31, the release said.

       The results of an autopsy by the Cook County medical examiner’s office led to the upgraded charges, officials said.

       “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,” Berlin said in the release. “I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kassahun as they mourn this senseless loss of life. I commend the Oakbrook Terrace and Wheaton Police Departments for their outstanding work on this very tragic case.”

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       Calvello also offered his condolences to Kassahun’s family and friends.

       “I know that nothing will bring Josiah back, but I hope that the charges brought against the defendant offer some measure of comfort to his loved ones,” Calvello said in the release.

       Kennedy’s next court appearance is an arraignment on August 23.

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