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.
Suspect will appear in court at 4:15pm EST
The suspect in yesterday’s shooting will make his first court appearance in about half an hour, according to the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Yesterday, Aaron Kelly was charged by the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office with Murder in the First Degree and Attempted Murder in the First Degree,” the office said on Tuesday morning. “The defendant will have his initial appearance in Benton-Franklin County Superior Court today at 1:15 pm [Washington State time].”
In Eastern Standard Time, the appearance will take place at 4:15pm.
Richland, Washington shooting: Everything we know so far
Community leaders and police have described the shooting at a supermarket in southeast Washington State as “senseless and tragic.”
Suspected gunman Aaron Christopher Kelly, 39, was arrested early Tuesday about 150 miles away from the Fred Meyer store in Richland where he allegedly shot two people, killing one and wounding another, on Monday morning.
Here’s everything we know so far about what happened:
Everything we know about suspected Fred Meyer gunman’s rampage
Witnesses recalled hearing around half a dozen shots before suspect fled
GoFundMe for victim’s family surpasses fundraising goal
A GoFundMe for the family of Justin Krumbah, who was killed in yesterday’s supermarket shooting, has now surpassed its goal by more than $1,000.
The fundraiser had listed its target amount as $20,000, and as of Tuesday afternoon had raised $21,638.
The page’s organizer, a friend of Mr Krumbah’s sister, says the funds will go toward the family’s funeral expenses.
Everything we know about victim Justin Krumbah
The Instacart shopper who was killed in a shooting at a Fred Meyer grocery store has been remembered as a “breath of fresh air” with a “positive, can-do attitude” by his heartbroken customers.
Justin Krumbah, 38, died on Monday after police said he was seen having a heated conversation with suspected gunman Aaron Christopher Kelly inside the supermarket in Richland, Washington.
Here’s everything we know about Mr Krumbah so far:
Fred Meyer shooting: Slain Instacart shopper Justin Krumbah remembered by customers
Justin Krumbah, 38, spoke of his passion for his job on social media just weeks before he was shot dead in the Washington store
Suspect appears in court, arraignment postponed
Aaron Christopher Kelly appeared in court at about 5pm on Tuesday, but his arraignment was postponed to 23 February.
Mr Kelly’s bail was set at $1 million, and he remains in custody.
Second victim named in GoFundMe
The family of the shooting’s second victim, who remains in critical condition, has revealed his name in a GoFundMe for his medical expenses.
“Hello everyone I am starting a gofund me for Mark Hill one of our family members who was shot at Fredmeyer yesterday [sic],” wrote the fundraiser’s organizer, Destiny Underwood. “I want to help mark with his medical bills hoping that he pulls through. Mark Is a big part of our family and he will need our support.”
Mr Hill, 56, was an employee at the Fred Meyer store where the shooting occurred. Donors to the GoFundMe remembered him fondly.
“Whenever I would come into the store to shop Mark would be whistling, doing his job,” wrote one contributor. “It brightened my day many times. Hope and prayers being said for his recovery.”
Help us save Mark Hill, organized by Destiny Underwood
Hello everyone I am starting a gofund me for Mark Hill one of our family members who was shot… Destiny Underwood needs your support for Help us save Mark Hill
Watch Aaron Christopher Kelly’s court appearance
Aaron Christopher Kelly, the suspect in yesterday’s supermarket shooting, appeared in court earlier this afternoon. He was wearing a green jumpsuit, and said little except to state his name and date of birth. His arraignment was postponed to 23 February.
KEPR filmed the appearance, which you can watch here:
Everything we know about Kelly’s arrest
Aaron Christopher Kelly, 39, was arrested 150 miles from where the yesterday’s shooting took place. On Tuesday, Richland police admitted they’d somehow missed the suspect as he left the scene of the crime.
According to the police, Mr Kelly was “taken into custody without incident.”
Here’s everything we know so far about the arrest:
Suspected Washington gunman arrested 150 miles away after deadly attack
A suspected gunman who opened fire in a Fred Meyer grocery store in Richland, Washington state has been arrested.
Fred Meyer sends snacks to police department
After yesterday’s shooting at a Fred Meyer store, the supermarket chain has sent snacks and other treats to the police who arrested the suspect.
In a Facebook post, Richland police thanked Fred Meyer and other businesses for the care packages.
“The Richland Police Department would like to thank our community for the gifts of support,” the RPD said on Tuesday. “Your kindness in the form of snacks, coffee and meals is truly appreciated. Thank you to our friends at Fred Meyer, Crumbl Cookies and Boar's Head.”
Here’s what Fred Meyer said about the shooting
Fred Meyer has spoken out about the shooting at one of its stores, offering its condolences to the victims’ families and pledging to cooperate with police.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at our Fred Meyer store located on 101 Wellsian Way in Richland, WA,” the supermarket chain said in a statement. “The entire Fred Meyer Family offers our thoughts, prayers, and support to all affected individuals and families during this difficult time, and we have initiated counseling services for our associates.”
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