Preliminary Hearing Begins for Cuadra, Kerekes

WILKES-BARR, Pa. — A preliminary hearing for the murder trial of gay content producers Harlow Cuadra, 25, and his partner Joseph Kerekes, 33, began Monday. The pair is accused of the January murder of gay adult film producer Brian Kocis, whose real name was Brian Phillips, in a plot that allegedly involved accessing one of Kocis’ exclusive models so that the model could appear on a website operated by Cuadra and Kerekes.

Kocis was found murdered after firemen responded to an alarm at his Dallas, Pa. home on Jan. 24.

In the hearing, two medical examiners testified that Kocis died of “near decapitation” and several graphic photos of the victim were presented before Magisterial District Court Judge James Tupper.

Luzerne County Coroner Dr. John Consalvo testified that Kocis had been inflicted with 28 to 29 post-mortem stab wounds to his torso and groin areas. Kocis had also third degree burns over 80 percent of his body.

A former roommate of Cuadra and Kerekes named Justin Hainsley testified that he had heard the pair describe Kocis as their biggest competition in the adult video industry. He said also that he heard them discuss Sean Lockhart, also known as Brent Corrigan, who was an exclusive model for Cobra Video, the company owned by Kocis. Hainsley said that Cuadra and Kerekes wanted to employ Lockhart to appear on their adult website and that he had heard them say “the only thing standing in the way was Kocis.”

A neighbor of Kocis testified that he had seen a silver-colored SUV parked in the driveway of Kocis’ home less than an hour before the fire at the residence was reported on Jan. 24.

A visitor of one of Kocis’ neighbors said that she saw a light-colored SUV backing out of the driveway of Kocis’ home approximately 10 minutes before fireman arrived at the scene.

According to other reports, Cuadra and Kerekes had rented an SUV and were staying in Plains, Pa., near the scene of the murder on Jan. 24. A hotel manager from the Fox River Inn testified and showed a registration slip confirming that the pair had checked in at the time of the murder.

The hearing is expected to take longer than one day.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Court Approves Class Action in Labor Claims Against VMG

A U.S. district court has granted class certification in a civil lawsuit filed against Vixen Media Group (VMG) by retired performer Kenzie Anne, making it possible for additional performers to join in a class action against the company.

Pervz Debuts New Reverse Gangbang Scene

Pervz has debuted a new reverse gangbang scene for its series "Pervz Singles," titled “Polar Opposites: Four Petite Blondes vs Huge Director.”

Brazil Invites Public Input on Guidelines for New Digital Law

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) is soliciting public comments to help improve interpretation and application of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Jasmine Sherni, Blake Blossom Headline 'Dirty Talk' From Dorcel

Jasmine Sherni and Blake Blossom star in "Dirty Talk," the latest feature from Dorcel.

Scarlett Alexis, Vince Karter Front Latest From Bellesa Plus

Scarlett Alexis and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter star in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Obedience.”

Aleksa Mink Stars in Latest From HardX

Aleksa Mink stars with Isaiah Maxwell in the latest release from XEmpire studio brand HardX.

X3 Expo Unveils Euro All-Stars for Inaugural Amsterdam Edition

X3 Expo, Hollywood's premier adult entertainment expo, makes its European debut at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam Sept.11-12, bringing together fans, creators, and industry insiders for the Continent’s largest assembly of adult entertainment stars, alongside a dazzling lineup of attractions spotlighting the cutting edge of modern media and pleasure tech.

2026 Pornhub Awards Nominees Announced

The list of nominees has been revealed for the eighth annual Pornhub Awards, which will be held May 27 in Los Angeles.

Andi Avalon, Madelyn May Front Latest From New Sensations

Andi Avalon and Madelyn May star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Elly Clutch Makes Her Debut as Brazzers Exclusive

Multi-XMAs winner Elly Clutch makes her debut as a Brazzers exclusive alongside Jordi El Niño Polla in the studio's latest release, titled "As If You Can Handle Elly."

Show More