Kaua'i man charged in fatal beating

Advertiser Staff

Kaua'i police charged a man yesterday in connection with the fatal beating of a 44-year-old man whose body was found Friday near the former Sea Shell Restaurant in Wailua.

William McCrory, 45, was charged with second-degree murder and his bail was set at $20,000, said Assistant Chief Mel Morris.

McCrory was scheduled to be arraigned in District Court this morning and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for Thursday.

Police accused McCrory of beating Brent Kerr, who police described as a drifter who lived in abandoned cars. McCrory was also described as a drifter who frequented the Wailua area, police said.

Kerr's body was found Friday afternoon on the shoulder of Kuhio Highway fronting the grounds of the old Coco Palms Hotel. Police said they have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests.

Anyone with information can call (808) 241-6787 or 241-6711.