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

VMG Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 'Vixen' Imprint

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is marking the 10th anniversary of its flagship studio imprint, Vixen.

Gal Ritchie, Rissa May Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Gal Ritchie and Rissa May star in the new release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Double-Booked.”

Ivy Ireland Toplines Vince Karter's 'Back to Dark'

Ivy Ireland headlines reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter’s latest Evil Angel directorial, “Back to Dark.”

Jazmin Black Performs 1st All-Girl Scene in Her Girlsway Debut

Jazmin Black performs her first all-girl scene in her Girlsway debut, alongside Ella Reese and Jewelz Blu, in the studio’s latest release, “Throuple’s Counseling.”

Richard Mann Drops New Evil Angel Scene With Daisy Stone, Alexis James

Daisy Stone and Alexis James star in an Evil Angel scene alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Abella Danger Serves Glamour and Gab at Live 'Danger She Spoke' Premiere

Multi-XMA-winning performer Abella Danger slipped into a sexy new role Thursday night, making her talk show host debut with "The Abella Show: Danger She Spoke," a new show and podcast featuring revealing conversations with fellow performers and industry personalities.

New 'PROTECT Act' Would Make North Carolina Rules for Adult Sites Federal Law

Senator Mike Lee of Utah on Thursday introduced legislation that would impose strict new federal rules on adult sites and platforms, strongly echoing similar regulations imposed last year in North Carolina.

Meddle Blooms Fronts Latest From Grooby VR

Meddle Blooms stars in the latest release from Grooby VR, titled "How Do I Look?"

Claudia Ross Wraps Production on Elegant Angel Feature 'Octavia Loves Girls'

Elegant Angel has announced that production has wrapped on the all-girl feature, "Octavia Loves Girls," directed by Claudia Ross.

Leah Layz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Leah Layz has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Logan and Anton Harden.

Show More