Aaron Kelly Seeks Unescorted Hospital Outings
A judge is reviewing a request from a man found not guilty by reason of insanity in a 2022 shooting.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Aaron Kelly, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for a 2022 shooting at a Richland Fred Meyer, has petitioned the court for unescorted community outings. The 43-year-old currently has permission only for supervised trips.
Why it matters
The court must balance Kelly's request for increased hospital privileges against public safety concerns. A judge is weighing forensic testimony that suggests his schizophrenia symptoms are in remission and his risk of violence is low.
Judge Jackie Stam is currently reviewing documentation to decide if the patient meets the legal threshold for unescorted community access. A ruling is expected by the end of the week.
The players
Aaron Kelly
He is a 43-year-old man who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for a 2022 shooting inside a Fred Meyer store.
Jackie Stam
She is the judge presiding over the court matter in Kennewick and is tasked with ruling on the request for increased hospital privileges.
Justin Krumbah
He was a victim of the 2022 shooting incident involving Aaron Kelly.
Mark Hill
He was a victim of the 2022 shooting incident involving Aaron Kelly.
The details
Forensic psychologists testified that the patient's schizophrenia symptoms are in remission, supporting the petition for more autonomy. Conditional release remains subject to strict court oversight to ensure the safety of the community.
Timeline
February 7, 2022: The shooting incident occurred at a Fred Meyer store in Richland.
October 29, 2026: The current status of the court petition is reported.
End of the week: Judge Jackie Stam is expected to issue a ruling on the request.
Legal Context
This petition follows established protocols for patients found not guilty by reason of insanity who seek increased privileges. Such cases are evaluated under legal standards requiring proof that the individual no longer poses a substantial danger to the public.
The community in the Kennewick and Richland area remains focused on the court's decision regarding the safety of released patients. Residents await the ruling to see if the judicial standards for psychiatric patient privileges are maintained.
The takeaway
The court's decision will hinge on the balance between medical reports of remission and the broader requirement to ensure public safety. Patients found not guilty by reason of insanity remain under significant legal oversight until a judge determines they are no longer a danger.
What happens next
Judge Jackie Stam is expected to issue a formal ruling regarding the petition for unescorted community outings by the end of the current week.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Criminal Justice section.
