Honolulu, Hawaii
HONOLULU -- DeWayne McKinney, who became a successful businessman in Hawaii after serving almost 20 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit, has died in a traffic accident. He was 47. McKinney wasn't wearing a helmet Tuesday when his mo-ped hit a bus stop sign and utility pole, Honolulu police said. McKinney was thrown from the motor scooter onto the street. McKinney was convicted of the 1980 Orange County, Calif., killing of Burger King manager Walter Horace Bell Jr. after four employees identified him in court as the gunman. McKinney was cleared of the crime in 2000 after another man admitted driving the getaway car and identified another man as the shooter. Two of the Burger King employees also recanted their testimony. Once freed from prison, McKinney had to start his life anew from scratch. He used a $1 million settlement with the Orange Police Department and $1.7 million settlement from the state of California to start an ATM business in Hawaii. McKinney's business grew to 42 ATMs on three islands.
Dewayne you are truly an inspiration to me , to persevere trough such a tumultuous life and being a man of color having to fight to correct errors made by those in power is amazing. It is never an easy task to get anyone to admit to their faults none the less the government, I am humbled by your perseverance, God bless you and keep you.
Joshua McKinney
April 18, 2026 | San Diego, CA | Friend
I met Dewayne shortly after his release from prison. Such a humble and gentle man. He was happy to be free with no ill feelings. Just a quiet man who believed God had helped him. I lost touch with him but was glad to hear he had a successful business and enjoyed his life. But he left us too soon. Rest in peace DeWayne.
Joanne Piccolo
June 12, 2021 | Acquaintance
I met Dewayne shortly after his release from prison. Such a humble and gentle man. He was happy to be free with no ill feelings. Just a quiet man who believed God had helped him. I lost touch with him but was glad to hear he had a successful business and enjoyed his life. But he left us too soon. Rest in peace DeWayne.
Joanne Piccolo
June 12, 2021 | Acquaintance
I met Dewayne shortly after his release from prison. Such a humble and gentle man. He was happy to be free with no ill feelings. Just a quiet man who believed God had helped him. I lost touch with him but was glad to hear he did well and enjoyed his life. But he left us too soon. Rest in peace DeWayne.
Joanne Piccolo
June 12, 2021 | Acquaintance
I read this story when I was 18yrs & always thought about this man. His story was inspiring, so today I started digging and found out that he passed 3yrs after the article I read. This is so heart breaking. I hope he knows that he inspired me so many years ago. My condolences to the friends and family. I always thought abt this man and his story. -Tisha London
Tisha London
May 03, 2019 | CHARLOTTE, NC | Acquaintance
Dewayne mckinney super awesome, hardworking man had many of friends here in hawaii he started an atym business he left no one out that wantted to come along many came and today they are successful busineesss owner.this man my brother Mr. Dewayne Mckinney a heart of gold oh how i miss and wish that he was here. I would give my own life to see him live again.
Brenda Mckinney
February 01, 2018 | Honolulu, HI | Sister
My heart is sadden at DeWayne leaving us and going home. He will be missed and has crossed my mind ever since I met him in 2006 at his lovely home. He was gracious and kind to me and mine.
Trish
February 18, 2009 | Overland Park, KS