‘Bringing this part of our nightmare to a close’
PHILADELPHIA — It’s been a difficult 15 months for Warwick resident Kendell Kless and her family.
On Jan. 14, 2012 her son Kevin, 23, a graduate of Warwick Valley High School and Temple University, was beaten to death on the streets of Philadelphia.
Kevin Kless, who was living and working in Philadelphia, was leaving a restaurant and lounge in the city’s historic district with his girlfriend and a second female companion around 2:30 a.m. when he tried and failed to hail a taxi.
He shouted angrily at the cab and three young men, traveling close to that taxi in another vehicle, likely believed his anger was directed at them.
They got out of their car and beat Kless unconscious in front of the two women who screamed for help. He was rushed to Jefferson Hospital and died that evening as a result of severe head trauma.
Motivated by a $20,000 reward, a tipster led police to the suspects: Steven Ferguson, 20, Kenneth Santiago, 19, and Felix Carrillo, 23.
This past Jan. 4, Carrillo pleaded guilty to a plea bargain from the prosecution. Court of Common Pleas Judge Benjamin Lerner sentenced him to two to five years in prison.
April 26
On Friday, April 26, members of the Kless family and anyone who wishes to be there in their support will again appear for the final two proceedings.
At that time each of the two remaining defendants, Santiago and Ferguson, will also plead guilty and be sentenced in separate hearings.
“Though it will undoubtedly be a very long and difficult day,” said Kendell Kless. “We look forward to bringing this part of our nightmare to a close. We can focus our time and energy on happier, more positive things, and try to pick up the pieces of our shattered hearts.”
Victim’s impact statement
At the upcoming hearings members of the Kless family will have another opportunity to present a “Victims’ Impact Statement,’”which allows them to comment on how this crime has affected their lives.
The Kless family is thankful for all the support they have received from the community and they want everyone to know that these hearings are open to those who support them. Attending the hearing can be helpful to a just outcome.
The hearings will be held at the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St., Philadelphia, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
On Saturday, May 18, the family will celebrate what would have been Kevin Kless’ 25th birthday at the Warwick Town Park. The event is planned to be a day of fun with disc golf, wiffle ball, soccer and other games that he liked to play. Family and friends are invited. Additional information is available on Facebook at: A Party For Kev.
- Roger Gavan