Defense says man's death outside Dilworth bar was accident, not murder

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The defense in the case of a man accused of killing someone says what happened was a tragic accident, not a murder.

Kenan Gay is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Robert Kingston, who died after being hit by a car outside of Ed's Tavern in Dilworth.

Eyewitness News went through the defense's investigation and found there is a lot of support for the suspect. Dozens of letters from family, friends and people who know Gay were sent to his defense attorneys, supporting the 23-year-old law school student.

The letters say things like, “Kenan Gay is truly a fine young man” and “I cannot imagine Kenan intentionally hurting anyone.”

Eyewitness News also went through the defense investigation, which details the night of the incident.

It reveals Gay and his girlfriend went to Ed's Tavern Saturday, March 3 to meet with friends.

While they were there, witnesses stated that Kingston hit on Gay's girlfriend several times, but that Gay never got violent or even approached Kingston until, witnesses say, Kingston took it too far.

One witness said he saw "Kingston put his arms around Liz and he grabbed her butt and tried to kiss her."

Witnesses say that's when Gay shoved Kingston away in order to defend his girlfriend.

Several witnesses said Kingston was intoxicated and ended up stumbling into the street in front of a passing car.

Eyewitness News talked to Ed Tavern's owner, who said he watched Gay throw Kingston into traffic.

This week, Gay's charge was changed to second-degree murder and his bond was lowered.

WSOC