Fairgrounds shooter sentenced after pleading guilty
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 1 month AGO
The Grant County Fairgrounds was evacuated Aug. 16, on the carnival side of the venue, after a shooting led to the injury of two minors. The shooter has now been sentenced for the incident, according to Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae. Inset: officers detain the suspect in the shooting.
FILE PHOTO
MOSES LAKE – A 15-year-old has been sentenced for a shooting incident at the Grant County Fairgrounds last August, according to Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae.
The minor pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and firearm enhancement charges. The juvenile will serve a sentence of 90 to 144 weeks in a juvenile detention facility, according to McCrae.
The suspect and victim’s names will not be released, as the Columbia Basin Herald does not identify minors who are victims of crimes nor those that perpetrate crimes in most instances and law enforcement generally will not identify suspects less than 18 years of age.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident, which took place Aug. 16, began as a verbal altercation between rival gang members. During the confrontation, the suspect discharged a firearm, injuring two juvenile victims.
Both victims were transported to Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake, where they received treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A 16-year-old girl, reportedly attending the carnival with the suspect and his family, suffered gunshot wounds to her back. A 14-year-old girl, who was a bystander, was also injured in the leg by the same bullet.
Both victims were reported in stable condition following the incident.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘Show up’
Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust
WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.
Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”
Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.