The streets of Ballard turned violent on March 2 when a homeless man, Matthew Scott Korpinen, 38, was beaten to death with a metal pipe.

Police arrested John Robert Dwyer, 53, nearby after talking to a witness. Dwyer was charged with second-degree murder by the King County Prosecuting Attorney's office last week. Bail has been set at $1.5 million.

A witness told police there had been an altercation a few days earlier between Korpinen and Dwyer, also homeless and living in a vehicle nearby. During the fight, Dwyer received injuries to his face.

The witness said he later heard Dwyer say he was going to "get him (Korpinen) back," and "beat his ass like he got done to me."

At 6:50 a.m. on March 2 another witness called 911 after finding Korpinen lying on the ground beside his General Motors pickup, parked at the intersection of 17th Ave. N.W. and N.W. 48th St.

Seattle Police and Fire Fighters responded and declared Korpinen dead at the scene. A piece of metal pipe, with an elbow joint on one end, was found under the body.

Police found Dwyer in his motor home parked across the street from 4450 Shilshole Ave. N.W. When asked if he knew why officers were there, Dwyer said, "Yes, I know what it's about."

In his police report, Officer Janes noted fresh cuts and lacerations on the Dwyer's head, a black eye and fresh bloodstains on his hands, wrists and clothing.

At Seattle Police headquarters, Dwyer provided detectives with a statement after being advised of his rights.

Dwyer said Korpinen assaulted him a few days earlier. The dispute was over Dwyer's dog "Buddy," and a dog Korpinen was caring for named "T-Bone."

The report stated that the altercation started while the dogs were fighting. Dwyer told police he "got the upper hand in the fight," which ended soon after that. He told detectives he cut his forehead after head butting Korpinen.

He told officers that Korpinen's actions and attitude toward his dog had been eating at him.

During the March 2 attack, Dwyer said he picked up the piece of pipe and brought a "drop knife" with him. He found Korpinen asleep in the cab of the pickup, opened the passenger door and threw the knife at him. Korpinen picked up the knife. Dwyer said he took the knife away and Korpinen grabbed the blade, breaking it off.

Dwyer then said he struck Korpinen several times as they fought in the cab of the truck, then pulled him out and continued to beat him.

He admitted to police he had just "lost it" and only intended to beat up Korpinen but lost control of himself.

"He said he knew he shouldn't have let Korpinen's actions about his dog get under his skin, but he did. He said he didn't want to lie, that he knew he should feel guilty but he doesn't," said the police report.

Dwyer confessed to murdering Korpinen while giving his statement.

Homeless people living in cars and motor homes have been a common sight in Ballard for the past several years. The vehicles are parked mainly in the industrial area of downtown Ballard. Police can tow vehicles away after 72-hour notices are posted on vehicles on streets where parking is prohibited from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., and the owners do not move their vehicles.

Jack Smith, a Ballard resident who has become friendly with many homeless people while visiting meal programs in the area, said he was really shocked when he heard about the killings. He did not know either of the men involved in the incident.

"I associated with a lot of them (homeless people). One bad apple might spoil the crate. A lot of them are decent. A lot of them are satisfied with their situation," Smith said.

In 2006, Sarah Gregory and Richie Owens were found dead from a heroin overdose in a motor home in Ballard.

Dean Wong may be contacted at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com