The estates of Brandy Escamilla and Josilyn Ruiz reached a settlement with Live Nation, while a separate plaintiff’s case alleging security negligence moves toward trial.
Live Nation has resolved the wrongful death claims brought by the estates of two women shot at the Beyond Wonderland festival three years ago. The settlement, reached ahead of a trial set for next month, closes part of the legal fallout from the attack at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington. Terms were not disclosed.
The accused gunman, James Kelly, an active-duty Army specialist, allegedly opened fire while high on hallucinogenic mushrooms. Brandy Escamilla and Josilyn Ruiz were struck and killed. Kelly then shot his companion, Lily Luksich, before police wounded him. Luksich’s separate lawsuit against Live Nation remains unresolved. She argues festival security failed to detect the firearm Kelly brought onto the campground.
Live Nation contends in court filings that Kelly hid mushrooms in his underwear and did not seek help at on-site aid stations during a bad reaction. The company says Kelly retrieved the gun from his truck and shot Escamilla and Ruiz “without warning.” Kelly later told police he thought “the world was ending.”
With the estate settlements, a public trial focusing on Live Nation’s security procedures is set to begin June 1. Kelly faces military charges including murder and attempted murder.
Join the Club
Like this story? You’ll love our monthly newsletter.
Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter.
Oops. Something went wrong. Please try again later.
ROMBO Editorial Staff
The collective voice behind ROMBO Magazine’s news, reviews, features, and cultural coverage.
