BOXER HELD IN SPORTSWRITER SLAY
By DAVID K. LI Post Correspondent NY Post
October 21, 2004 -- LOS ANGELES — A long-troubled prizefighter was picked up yesterday in connection with the slaying of Sam Kellerman, brother of Fox Sports host Max Kellerman.
Boxer James "The Harlem Hammer" Butler — who's had a fistful of troubles in and out of the ring — was nabbed yesterday by Los Angeles police. He was wanted in the killing of actor-sportswriter Sam Kellerman, 29, who once had a public-access cable show in New York.
Kellerman's body was discovered Sunday in his Los Angeles apartment. Police believe he was killed by blunt-force trauma to the head and had been dead for two to four days.
"He was the center of my family and I can't imagine life without him," Max Kellerman told The Post yesterday.
The LAPD discovered Kellerman's missing 1993 Cadillac Seville abandoned near UCLA. Then they tracked down Butler, who was being treated at UCLA Medical Center.
Friends of the middleweight had guessed he was on his way to Florida, where his girlfriend lives, or to family members in Harlem.
"I thought he'd be in Florida by now," said LAPD Capt. Mike Downing. "It was a good break for us."
Butler is infamous for sucker-punching Richard Grant after their fight at Manhattan's Roseland Ballroom in 2001 — an event set up to benefit the families of 9/11 victims.
BUTLER arrested
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MightyWarrior
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Fightnews:
Butler charged with murder!
Light heavyweight James Butler has been charged with first degree murder and is being held in a Los Angeles jail without bail according to the LA County Sheriff. The former IBF world title challenger was taken into custody Wednesday at 3PM by the LAPD and charged with the beating death of Sam Kellerman, brother of Fox Sports Net boxing analyst Max Kellerman. Butler, who was a house guest of Kellerman, was apprehended at the UCLA Medical Center after police found Kellerman's stolen vehicle in the area. Butler previously did jail time after sucker-punching Richard Grant on national TV following a lopsided decision loss. Fightnews.com sends its condolences to Max and his family after this senseless act.
Butler charged with murder!
Light heavyweight James Butler has been charged with first degree murder and is being held in a Los Angeles jail without bail according to the LA County Sheriff. The former IBF world title challenger was taken into custody Wednesday at 3PM by the LAPD and charged with the beating death of Sam Kellerman, brother of Fox Sports Net boxing analyst Max Kellerman. Butler, who was a house guest of Kellerman, was apprehended at the UCLA Medical Center after police found Kellerman's stolen vehicle in the area. Butler previously did jail time after sucker-punching Richard Grant on national TV following a lopsided decision loss. Fightnews.com sends its condolences to Max and his family after this senseless act.
Update
According to Associated Press reports, boxer James Butler has pleaded not guilty to charges that he used a hammer to murder sportswriter, Sam Kellerman -- brother of boxing analyst, Max Kellerman.
James Butler, 31, was charged with murder and arson following his Wednesday arrest and was being held on $1.25 million bail, said Sandi Gibbons, the district attorney's spokeswoman.
Authorities believe Sam Kellerman was killed on Oct. 12, according to a statement from the district attorney.
Reports have described Butler and Sam Kellerman as friends. The boxer had been staying at Kellerman's apartment since late September.
A status hearing in Butler's case is scheduled for Oct. 28.
According to Associated Press reports, boxer James Butler has pleaded not guilty to charges that he used a hammer to murder sportswriter, Sam Kellerman -- brother of boxing analyst, Max Kellerman.
James Butler, 31, was charged with murder and arson following his Wednesday arrest and was being held on $1.25 million bail, said Sandi Gibbons, the district attorney's spokeswoman.
Authorities believe Sam Kellerman was killed on Oct. 12, according to a statement from the district attorney.
Reports have described Butler and Sam Kellerman as friends. The boxer had been staying at Kellerman's apartment since late September.
A status hearing in Butler's case is scheduled for Oct. 28.