Suspect in Gorge shooting enters plea
By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
EPHRATA – James Kelly, 26, the man accused of killing two people and injuring three others during the June 17 shooting at the Gorge Amphitheatre campground, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Grant County Superior Court.
Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae said Kelly faces two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree assault, one with a domestic violence allegation.
During the shooting, Brandy P. Escamilla, 29, and Josilyn S. Ruiz, 26, both of Seattle, were shot and killed while walking through the campground. Three other people, including the suspect’s girlfriend, were also injured.
Following the shooting, Kelly was located by law enforcement in a field adjacent the campground. Investigators say Kelly was shot once by Moses Lake Police Department Detective Edgar Salazar, then transported to a Spokane hospital where he was treated and later released. Kelly remains in the Grant County Jail.
Kelly, an active-duty member of the U.S. Army based out of Joint Base Lewis McChord, has a public defender assigned to his defense. His trial is scheduled to begin August 25.
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