Man accused of fatal shootings at Beyond Wonderland pleads not guilty to all charges

James M. Kelly, a 26-year-old active member of the U.S. military, who is the prime suspect of the recent shootings in the campground near American electronic music festival Beyond Wonderland, which left two dead and more injured, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, reports The Seattle Times.

Two women were killed and three more people were injured during the attack at the campgrounds at the Gorge amphitheatre in Washington state in the US.

Kelly was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault and one count of first-degree domestic violence assault. He is currently being held without bail.

The victims of the shooting were 29-year-old Brandy Escamilla and 26-year-old Josilyn Ruiz, an engaged couple who lived in Seattle. Among the injured were Kelly’s girlfriend, a festivalgoer and two people who were responding to the reports of gunfire at the time.

Upon arrest, Kelly told the police that he was hallucinating on mushrooms and believed the world was going to end.

Court documents state that Kelly allegedly grabbed his handgun from his pickup truck in the campgrounds, loaded it and fired at the couple who were walking by, as well as at a 31-year-old man who headed to the area upon hearing gunshots.

He later allegedly shot his girlfriend, Lily Luksich - who had called 911 and alerted the police - twice, in the foot and upper leg area, and then fired at a Grant County Sheriff’s Office drone, as well as at a festival employee responding to reports of the gunfire.

Beyond Wonderland was scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, but the second day was cancelled after the shooting.

The festival wrote in a statement: “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the local authorities and staff who acted quickly to manage the situation. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic event.”

Kelly’s next hearing is scheduled for July 25, with his trial expected to begin late August of this year. If convicted, Kelly could face life imprisonment.

Vee Pandey is Mixmag's Digital Trainee, follow her on Twitter