Richland Washington shooting: ‘Paranoid’ suspect Aaron Kelly shoplifted at Fred Meyer, employees say
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New details continue to emerge about the man suspected of carrying out a deadly rampage at a Fred Meyer supermarket in Washington state.
Aaron Christopher Kelly, 39, was arrested early Tuesday following an hours-long manhunt after he allegedly shot two people, one fatally, at the store in Richland on Monday morning.
He is currently being held at the Benton County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder. His bond was held at $1m at a court hearing Tuesday afternoon where his arraignment was postponed until 23 February.
Prior to the hearing, prosecutors revealed Fred Meyer employees recognised Mr Kelly from prior shoplifting incidents, including one just last week.
Meanwhile tributes have poured in for Justin Krumbah, the 38-year-old Instacart shopper killed in the shooting. The other victim, Mark Hill, is said to be in stable condition.
An investigation remains ongoing as the gunman’s motive has yet to be determined.
Everything we know about the shooting so far
From where the shooting happened, to what bystanders recall experiencing and the continuing police response – here is what we know so far about the Fred Meyer incident:
Everything we know about suspected Fred Meyer gunman’s rampage
Witnesses recalled hearing around half a dozen shots before suspect fled
Police to deliver press briefing soon
Police in Richland, Washington, will give another press briefing at 11:30am local time (2.30pm ET) on the shooting at a Fred Meyer, in which one person was killed and another injured.
It comes as more details emerge about the shooting suspect and his victim, as well as how the attack unfolded at the supermarket chain.
‘You never think it would ever happen where you work’
An alleged employee of the Fred Meyer supermarket at the centre of yesterday’s fatal shooting has tweeted about how he did not expect the attack to unfold.
The employee, Zac Laroche, also described the 38-year-old shooting victim as “super friendly” and “awesome”, in remarks that echoed those of many others who were familiar with the Instacart worker,
He tweeted: “I work at this Fred Meyer and knew the victim he would always come in every day from 6am to 10pm doing Instacart and was super friendly and (an) awesome guy to talk to its so crazy you never think it would ever happen where you work”.
Who is the shooting suspect?
Police and prosecutors have released an image and further information about the Fred Meyer shooting suspect following his arrest on an interstate north of Richland, Washington, at around minight.
Aaron Christopher Kelly, aged 39, was seen at the same supermarket the week before allegedly wearing the same clothes and using the same Honda vehicle that his ex-roommate and reported landlord confirmed to investigators on Monday.
Mr Kelly, who fired several shoots at two victims – one of whom was fatally injured – was alleged to have asked his roommate to take his firearm away and was subject to a failed restraining order request, according to court records.
He faces murder and attempted murder charges and could be imprisoned for life if convicted. It was unclear on Tuesday if he had a lawyer and an investigation is underway.
What weapon was used in the shooting?
Police have described finding 9mm cases littered around the scene of the shooting inside the Fred Meyer following Monday’s shooting.
An ex-roommate and reported landlord told investigators he had also seen the 39-year-old, who has been described as “paranoid”, with a 9mm handgun.
It remains unclear if police have retrieved the weapon suspected of killing one person and injuring another.
Watch here: Police hold press conference on shooting
The Richland, Washington Police Department is holding a press conference on yesterday’s shooting at a Fred Meyer supermarket. You can watch it here:
Police admit they missed suspect as he left supermarket
At a press conference on Tuesday, police admitted they somehow missed the shooting suspect as he left the Fred Meyer supermarket yesterday.
“No, we did not encounter the suspect on his way out,” Interim Richland Police Chief Brigit Clary told reporters.
The suspect, Aaron Christopher Kelly, 39, was later arrested 150 miles away from the scene.
Tributes continue for well liked victim
A GoFundMe for shooting victim Justin Krumbah, 38, has now reached more than $20,000, after it was set up by a friend of his sister, Krista.
People have sent messages and tributes on the page, along with their donations for funeral expenses. It seems many of those donating knew him.
One person writes: “My heartfelt condolences go to your family for this tragic and senseless act upon Justin. My interactions with Justin were minimal but pleasant and I hope you can find some sort of comfort in knowing how much he was liked by his customers and coworkers”.
Police say suspect had been ‘in decline’ for weeks
Richland police say the suspect in yesterday’s shooting had been “in decline” over the past several weeks, according to people who knew him.
“Acquaintances of [Aaron Christopher] Kelly have described his condition to investigators as being in decline over the last few weeks and months,” Interim Police Chief Brigit Clary told reporters on Tuesday. “He has been described as distancing himself from friends and family.”
Ms Clary also said Mr Kelly does not have an extensive criminal history, and appears to have acted alone.
Suspect shot first victim after ‘10 to 15 second interaction,’ police say
At a press conference on Tuesday, police offered horrifying details on how yesterday’s shooting transpired.
Interim Richland Police Chief Brigit Clary said the violence began around 11am. After a “10 to 15 second interaction” with InstaCart shopper Justin Krumbah, Aaron Christopher Kelly allegedly shot Mr Krumbah. He died at the scene.
Then, Ms Clary said, Mr Kelly shot his second victim – a 56-year-old Fred Meyer employee – before going on the run. The victim is currently in critical condition at a local hospital, and his family does not want his name released.
Read more here:
Fred Meyer suspected gunman was ‘distancing himself from friends’ before shooting
Aaron Christopher Kelly was arrested on Monday on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter
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