Kevin Reed, now known as Kevin Callahan, has been cleared of all charges relating to Steven Lee’s death. Photo: (R) Tom Sutherland, courtesy of Matt Warshaw
Early on May 2nd, news broke that Santa Cruz surfing legend Kevin Reed–known now as Kevin Callahan–was arrested for suspicion of first-degree murder of a 52-year-old man named Steven Lee. The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office just announced that no charges will be filed, and Callahan has been released.
Here’s the announcement in its entirety:
NO CHARGES TO BE FILED IN DEATH INVESTIGATION OF STEVEN LEE
The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office has announced that it has reviewed the evidence and reports submitted by the Santa Cruz Police Department regarding the homicide investigation of Kevin Callahan (58) in connection with the death of Steven Lee (52). Santa Cruz Police learned of an earlier altercation between Callahan and Lee that occurred sometime Saturday, April 29 that included choking. The altercation occurred on the Main Beach near the location Lee’s body was found. Santa Cruz Police arrested Kevin Callahan in the early morning hours of April 30 in connection with the death of Steven Lee. Callahan was detained approximately 100 feet from where Lee’s body was found. The investigation included a statement of Callahan where he admitted choking the victim. Callahan told investigators that Lee was alive when he left him at the scene. During the investigation, witness accounts and evidence collected at the scene led investigators to believe that Lee had died as a result of the earlier altercation.
After careful review of the evidence submitted by the Santa Cruz Police Department, and autopsy findings provided by the Sheriff’s Coroner’s office, the District Attorney’s Office has determined there is insufficient evidence to charge Kevin Callahan regarding the death of Steven Lee. Kevin Callahan has since been released from custody.
The investigation into Lee’s death is ongoing.
