Case File: Murder of Bryan “King Cobra” Kocis

Background & Tensions

Bryan Kocis was a major figure in the gay adult film industry, known for his company Cobra Video and his ability to turn unknowns into profitable stars. Among them was Sean Lockhart, better known as male porn star Brent Corrigan, whose youth and charisma made him an icon. But fame brought friction. When Lockhart sought independence, Kocis fought to enforce exclusive rights over his image.

The Night of the Murder

On 24 January 2007, Kerekes and Cuadra drove from Virginia to Pennsylvania posing as new performers eager to meet Kocis. Once inside his home, the meeting turned fatal. Kocis was stabbed 28 times, nearly decapitated, and left to die as his killers set fire to the house to destroy evidence. The blaze tore through the suburban neighborhood, drawing firefighters who discovered Kocis’ body among the ashes. Investigators instantly suspected arson and foul play.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

As daylight broke, the extent of the horror became clear. Fire investigators found accelerant traces near the body and in the living room, proving the blaze had been intentional. Dental records confirmed the victim as Kocis. His friends and industry peers were stunned with many initially feared that Brent Corrigan might be next.

Investigation and Breakthrough

Detectives unraveled the case through forensic precision. Credit-card receipts traced a rental car from Virginia to Pennsylvania, while emails and online chats revealed a plan to meet Kocis. The pair’s arrogance led to a recorded confession during a wiretapped conversation where they bragged about the killing.

Trials and Sentencing

In December 2008, Joseph Kerekes accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder, sparing himself the death penalty. Months later, Harlow Cuadra stood trial, facing evidence so strong the jury needed little deliberation before sentencing him to life imprisonment without parole. The courtroom atmosphere was electric, a bizarre intersection of adult-film gossip, betrayal, and calculated cruelty. Reporters filled the benches, drawn by the sensational mix of sex, money, and murder.

Legacy & Public Reaction

The case echoed far beyond the courtroom. The 2016 film King Cobra starring James Franco, Christian Slater, and Garrett Clayton reignited debate about exploitation and greed within the adult industry. While dramatized for Hollywood, the real events remained darker: a victim erased by envy, and two men who traded their freedom for a few fleeting fantasies of fame. Lockhart later spoke out against predatory contracts and manipulation, urging younger performers to learn from the tragedy.

In Summary

The King Cobra murder stands as a chilling collision of ego, power, and jealousy. What began as a business dispute spiralled into a brutal killing that left one man dead and two imprisoned for life. It exposed the dangers of ambition unbound by conscience, a warning that behind the glittering façade of fame can lurk greed, deception, and destruction.

Timeline of Events

• Early–mid 2000s: Bryan Kocis builds Cobra Video; signs young performers including Brent Corrigan.
• 2004–2006: Contract disputes and legal friction between Kocis and Corrigan surface publicly.
• Late 2006 – Jan 2007: Kerekes and Cuadra communicate with industry figures, pose as talent interested in work.
• 23 January 2007: Kerekes and Cuadra travel from Virginia to Pennsylvania.
• 24 January 2007: Kocis murdered; house set on fire. Body later identified via dental records.
• May 2007: Arrests of Kerekes and Cuadra in Virginia.
• Dec 2008 – 2009: Guilty pleas/trials conclude; both sentenced to life without parole.
• 2016: Film King Cobra released, renewing interest in the case.

Photo: Crime Watch