James Butler, a boxer who fought under the nickname "The Harlem Hammer," pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and arson Monday in the 2004 death of a freelance sports writer.
Butler will be sentenced to 29 years, four months in prison by California state court Judge Michael Pastor on April 5, according to Deputy Public Defender Jack Keenan.
The 33-year-old fighter entered his plea as jury selection was set to begin in his trial for the killing of Sam Kellerman, who was the 29-year-old brother of boxing expert Max Kellerman, a radio show host in New York.
PHOTO: AP
"I think it's a fair resolution of the case," Keenan said. "He's always been sorry for what he did, and in the end he thought of Sam Kellerman as a friend."
Butler faced about 34 years in prison had he gone to trial and been convicted of murder, Keenan said. The original count of murder was dismissed against the former USBA super middleweight champion.
A motive for the killing has not been revealed by prosecutors, although it could be revealed at Butler's sentencing, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office.
Kellerman's body was found in his Hollywood apartment on Oct. 17, 2004, although authorities believe he had been killed five days earlier.
He had been bludgeoned around the head about 30 times while sitting at his desktop computer, police said. A hammer was found near Kellerman's body, his car was missing and his apartment was set on fire, police said.
Sam Kellerman was a freelance writer who covered pro boxing. He and Butler were friends and the boxer had been staying at Kellerman's apartment since late September, police said.
Butler has a pro record of 20-5, with 12 wins by knockout. He is best known for striking opponent Richard Grant with a blindside punch in November 2001 after losing a charity bout in New York.
Butler has been in custody since his arrest three days after the Kellerman killing.
OUT AGAINST INDONESIA: Taiwan reached the semi-finals at the tournament for the first time by defeating Denmark, with Chou Tien-chen beating Viktor Axelsen Taiwan yesterday crashed out of the Thomas Cup team competition in Chengdu, China, but achieved their best result at the top-tier badminton event by reaching the semi-finals. Indonesia were too good in the semis, winning 3-0 to advance to today’s final against China, who eliminated Malaysia 3-1. In the opening singles of the men’s team clash at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium 2, Anthony Ginting defeated Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen 21-18, 21-19 in 51 minutes, which put a huge hole in Taiwan’s aspirations to perhaps even make the final. In the men’s doubles, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Ardianto downed Lee Yang and Wang
NO DOUBT: Spurs star Wembanyama was unanimously selected as NBA Rookie of the Year, winning all 99 votes to become the first Frenchman to capture the honor The Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night produced a dominant defensive display to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Denver Nuggets with a 106-80 road victory. The third-seeded Timberwolves harassed Denver relentlessly to claim a second straight win over the NBA champions as the series heads back to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards scored 27 points apiece, but the star of the show was Minnesota’s suffocating defensive effort, which knocked Denver out of their stride almost from the tip-off. The Timberwolves finished with 11 steals and 12 blocks, in sharp contrast to
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid Open final with a grueling three hour, 11 minute victory in the Spanish capital. Coming back from 1-3 down in the decider and saving three match points in total, Swiatek claimed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory to secure the Madrid Open trophy for the first time. “Well, who is going to say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?” Swiatek said. Swiatek, who picked up the 20th title of her career, and ninth at
One of Malaysia’s top soccer clubs has pulled out of today’s season-opening Charity Shield after a spate of assaults, including an acid attack, on players in the country. It leaves the kickoff of Malaysia’s season this weekend under a cloud following the unprecedented acts of violence against players, which have left the country shocked and angry. Authorities said they have imposed tighter security, but Selangor said that they would not play in the showpiece curtain-raiser against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) citing “a series of criminal incidents and recent threats.” Selangor and Malaysia winger Faisal Halim is in intensive care