BREAKING: Skateboarding icon Terry Kennedy is set to be released from prison on December 31, 2025, just in time for New Year’s Eve. This urgent update comes from the Illinois Department of Corrections, confirming that Kennedy, 40, received sentence credit that expedited his release.
Kennedy, who has been serving a five-year sentence for aggravated battery related to the tragic death of fellow skater Josiah Kassahun, will remain under supervision until June 30, 2026. He was originally charged with first-degree murder following a violent incident on July 27, 2021, at the Comfort Suites Motel in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, where a dispute escalated fatally.
During the altercation, Kassahun, 23, attempted to calm Kennedy, who suddenly reacted with aggression, leading to a punch that caused Kassahun to fall and sustain critical injuries. The medical examiner confirmed that Kassahun died from multiple internal injuries. In a significant twist, Kennedy was acquitted of the murder charge in 2022 but was convicted on two counts of aggravated battery.
As a well-known figure in the skateboarding community, Kennedy has participated in major events including the X Games and Maloof Money Cup, and has made appearances in various television shows and video games. His release is expected to have a considerable impact on fans and the skateboarding scene, as he walks free in just 29 days.
With his imminent return to society, many are left wondering how Kennedy will reintegrate and what this means for his future in the sport. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
