On 6/17/2023 at approximately 8:25 p.m., law enforcement received reports of shots being fired at a campground near the Gorge Amphitheater near George, WA. During the intervention of the forces of order, a shooting incident involving an officer occurred.
There were officers from several local law enforcement agencies providing service to the throat that night. These agencies included the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Moses Lake Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Quincy Police Department, and Royal City Police Department. All of these officers responded quickly to Campground H in the northeast corner of the campground.
When they arrived at the scene, they found the bodies of two women unconscious and suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene. The two women were identified by coroner Craig Morrison as Brandy Escamilla, 29, and Josilyn Ruiz, 26, both residents of Seattle.
Two people were also shot and injured. They are Andrew Cuadra, 31, of Eugene, Oregon, and 20, Lily Luksich, of Mill Creek, Washington. They were transported by ambulances to local hospitals. Andrew Cuadra was later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
A private security officer responding to the report of gunshots was hit by a bullet that deflected off his glasses. She suffered bruises and lacerations from the impact but was not seriously injured.
The suspect is James M. Kelly, 26, of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and was returned today to Grant County, where he is being held in the Grant County Jail. He is being held for investigation on two counts of first degree murder, two counts of first degree assault and one count of first degree assault of domestic violence.
“The U.S. Army Special Operations Command extends its condolences to the victims and families of those affected by this act of violence. The command is aware of the allegations against Spc. James Kelly. We take all allegations seriously and cooperate fully with the relevant authorities. SPC. James Kelly is a Joint Fire Support Specialist (13F) assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Kelly joined the military in 2021. The investigation is ongoing, we are referring further matters to the appropriate civilian authorities. -Lt. Collar.
The North Central Washington Special Investigative Unit is investigating the events of this incident, and in the future they will describe in detail what happened that night. There will also be probable cause statements filed in the coming days that will provide additional details.