Delbert Belton Murder Update: WWII vet, beaten to death in parking lot, to be laid to rest with full military honors
(CBS) SPOKANE, Wash. -- Delbert Belton, the World War II veteran found beaten to death outside a Washington Ice-A-Rena, will be honored during two public funeral services on Thursday and Friday, his family tells CBS affiliate KREM.
Thursday's service, which will include full military honors, will be held in a public park, Belton's daughter-in-law Barbara Belton told KREM. A smaller church service is planned for Friday.
Both, she said, are open to the public and the media.
Police say the 88-year-old, who survived the Battle of Okinawa, was beaten to death Wednesday by two teens during an apparent robbery as he was waiting outside the Eagles Ice-A-Rena for a friend.
Many have reached out to pay their respects since Belton's murder, Barbara Belton told KREM.
"It's surprising, but I also understand," she said of the outpouring of support. "I understand because he was a vet, I understand because this was such a brutal, senseless crime."
Authorities say the two teens attacked Belton in his car, apparently at random. His family told KREM after the attack that the vet was beaten with "big heavy flashlights."
Two teens are charged in connection with the crime. Kenan Adams-Kinard, 16, was arrested early Monday in a basement apartment in Spokane after police followed up on tips from his family. He is charged with first degree murder and first-degree robbery and is being held on $2 million bail.
Adams-Kinard was due in court at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Another 16-year-old, Demetrius L. Glenn, also charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery, made an initial court appearance Monday afternoon.
The charges carry a potential life sentence.
"The two individuals we believe are responsible for the robbery and murder of Mr. Belton are in custody," Police Chief Frank Straub said at a news conference Monday. Straub said that Belton apparently fought back against his assailants, which Straub said may have increased the severity of the beating.
Barbara Belton told the station the vet's death has been hard on his family.
"We want to be over with this and let him rest in peace," she said.
More than 100 reportedly attended a candlelight vigil for Belton on Friday.
Full coverage of the Delbert Belton murder case on Crimesider
