Maui prosecutors find possible motive in 2020 Paia beating death

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Prosecutors say they now know why William Douglas Allen, 45, allegedly beat Keenan Blair, 20, to death in Paia in 2020.

Allen has been living at Maui Community Correctional Center for nearly seven years now awaiting trial for Blair’s murder.

Court documents say police reports that were only recently sent to the prosecutor’s office show Allen had a grudge.

Grudge alleged in court records

Six months before Blair’s death, Allen allegedly told police that Blair and his friends stole his cell phone and “tried to mob him.”

On the day Blair died, a witness said Allen appeared to be in a “bad” mood and repeatedly said he wanted to kill someone.

“State’s ready to go,” said deputy prosecuting attorney JW Hupp.

Allen maintains innocence

Allen spoked to Hawaii News Now in a jailhouse phone call two months go.

“It’s stressful in here,” he said. “It sucks being accused of a crime that you didn’t do.”

New attorney granted more time

This week, Allen’s new attorney, Steven Slavitt, was granted more time to prepare his case.

“Mr. Slavitt has indicated to me and more to the state that you want some motions filed. It’s perfectly fine, perfectly appropriate. It will take time for him to prepare them,” Maui Judge Peter Cahill said. “He also does need to get up to speed on the case because there’s been a lot of stuff.”

Allen asked Cahill about the news story that aired in August.

“Did you check out the news?” Allen asked.

“When I saw your name there, I thought it was your obituary. But you’re here today, so I know that’s not true. No, I didn’t check out the news because, frankly, I love Chelsea Davis. She’s here. I hope she puts this on the TV tonight. But you on the news is not evidence in the court. You’re going to be tried with evidence,” Cahill responded.

Allen left the courtroom smiling and threw a shaka.

His trial is scheduled for March.