The families of a victim and his killer displayed grief, forgiveness and redemption Thursday as a Spokane judge sent 17-year-old Kenan Adams-Kinard to prison for 20 years in the beating death of World War II veteran Delbert “Shorty” Belton.
The 2013 murder garnered national media attention as much for Belton’s status as a war veteran as for the racial overtones: The two teens suspected of attacking and robbing him as he sat in his parked car outside the Eagles Lodge in north Spokane are black; Belton, who later died from the beating, is white. Demetruis Glenn, the other teen accused in Belton’s death, is scheduled to stand trial in March.
After the sentencing, the families shook hands in a moment of reconciliation that they hoped could help young Adams-Kinard someday lead a better life.
Two of Belton’s nephews, as well as his friend, Martha Denison, spoke before the sentencing, remembering the man they knew and loved, while expressing hope that Adams-Kinard could change.
Through tears, they described Belton as soft-spoken, patriotic and unfailingly kind.
Belton family shakes hands with Adams-Kinard’s parents. Strong fine family that, don’t know if I would be able to do that.
