RICHLAND, Wash. – Richland Police Department gave a final press briefing this morning, providing further details on the events leading up to shooting at the Fred Meyer in Richland.
According to the briefing, Aaron Kelly entered the store the north entrance, pushing a cart with a duffel bag and backpack inside. Kelly encountered Justin Krumbah, spoke for 10-15 seconds, and then shot Krumbah, who was the first victim who died at the scene of the shooting.
The first shots were reported at 11:03 a.m. Richland regional agencies and the Richland Fire Department responded to the scene, arriving at around 11:05 a.m., and their main priority was stopping the loss of life. Advanced life saving measures were employed, but Krumbah died at the scene.
The second victim was shot twice in the chest and taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center for surgery.
Kelly fled the scene and was not there when police arrived.
With the help of U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Kelly was arrested near Moses Lake. The weapon has not been recovered yet, but police say they know the firearm was a handgun.
Kelly invoked his rights and has remained silent since his arrest. The police don’t think the shooter had a relationship with the victims, nor do they know the reason for the shooting.
Kelly was booked for first degree murder and attempted first degree murder.
People who knew the shooter described his mental health as declining. His former roommate, Bryant Scott, went as far as filing a civil harassment claim in 2020 against Aaron Kelly, claiming he was often mean, frustrating, tried to poison his dogs, accused Scott of having child pornography, stalked Scott and his friends, and harassed him to the point that Scott had to sell his home and move to get away from Kelly. Scott said he repeatedly tried to ask him to leave and also tried to get a restraining order against him, but was unsuccessful.
The Director of Corporate Affairs from Fred Meyer was at the briefing as well and said that Fred Meyer will be closed for a bit to give the community time to grieve.
The victim in the hospital is now in stable condition, and the family does not want his name publicized.
Today was Kelly’s first court appearance at the Benton County Justice Center. His bail is posted for $1 million, and his next court appearance will be his arraignment, currently scheduled for Feb. 23 at 8:30 a.m.
