Richland Washington shooting: ‘Paranoid’ suspect Aaron Kelly shoplifted at Fred Meyer, employees say
Follow for the latest updates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Richland Washington shooting: Everything we know about suspected Fred Meyer gunman Aaron Kelly’s rampage
Popular Instacart shopper killed in Fred Meyer shooting is remembered as ‘breath of fresh air’ by customers
Washington shooting: Suspected gunman who opened fire in Fred Meyer store arrested 150 miles away
Shooting motive remains unclear
Suspect Aaron Kelly’s motive in opening fire on a Fred Meyer store in Richland, Washington, has yet to be determined nearly three days later.
At a Tuesday press conference, officials said Mr Kelly refused to be interviewed by investigators following his arrest hours earlier.
He is said to have begun shooting just seconds after engaging in an argument with Instacart shopper Justin Krumbah, who was fatally wounded.
Police said the suspect had no known prior relationship with Mr Krumbah or Mark Hill, a Fred Meyer employee who was critically injured.
ICYMI: Everything we know so far
Gunfire erupted at the Fred Meyer supermarket in Richland, Washington, just after 11am local time on Monday.
Police arrived at the scene within a minute, but by that time suspected shooter Aaron Kelly had already fled.
One victim, Justin Krumbah, died at the scene while another, Mark Hill, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
An 11-hour manhunt ensued before Mr Kelly was taken into custody about 150 miles away. He is now being held on $1m bail on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia recaps everything we know so far:
Everything we know about suspected Fred Meyer gunman’s rampage
Witnesses recalled hearing around half a dozen shots before suspect fled