After disabled veteran beaten to death, victim’s family asks for compassion

ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — An Alexander County man appeared in court on Friday after being charged for the death of a man he allegedly beat.

Casey Bentley was charged with beating Kenneth Young to death. Bentley appeared in court for a second time on Monday and was given a $175,000 bond. He was out of jail by Monday afternoon.

Bentley’s attorney argued that Young made inappropriate comments to Bentley about his teenage daughter before the assault. That attorney also told the judge that Bentley believed Young was possibly reaching for a weapon at the time.

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 Friday.

The sheriff said investigators learned several teenagers, including Bentley’s 15-year-old daughter, were at a gathering nearby. Deputies are investigating the allegations that Young made inappropriate comments to Bentley’s daughter.

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.

Faherty also 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.

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.

On Friday, Young’s family shared a handwritten statement with Channel 9 about the events.

“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.”

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