Delbert-Belton
Delbert Belton Belton survived the Battle of Okinawa. He had been waiting for a friend in the parking lot of the Eagles Lodge. He was found in his car unconscious and bleeding heavily. KXLY

One of the teanagers arrested in the beating death of an 88-year-old World War II veteran in Spokane, Wash., claimed an unexpected reason for his deadly actions in court Tuesday.

According to Kenan Adams-Kinard, 16, Delbert Belton was selling him and the other 16-year-old suspect, Demetruis Glenn, crack cocaine and shorted them, reports the Spokane Spokesman-Review.

Authorities have not commented if there was any evidence for Adams-Kinard's claim. But the family of the victim says it is untrue.

“There’s absolutely no truth to that whatsoever,” said Ian Day, Belton’s nephew. “By saying these things they’ve brought darkness upon themselves.”

Police discovered the drug-dealing assertion in a letter found inside the home where Adams-Kinard was caught. He was taken into custody on Monday, with the letter being made public during his court appearance on Tuesday.

Belton was found beaten in his car in the parking lot of the Eagles Ice-A-Rena last week. The recreation hall hosts billiards and bingo.

Adams-Kinard was rested on first-degree robbery and first-degree murder warrants on Monday morning. He was found in a basement apartment, according to authorities. This came just four days after Glenn turned himself into authorities. According to prosecutors, they are seeking to charge both of the teens as adults.

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