A man who allegedly stabbed five people, resulting in two fatalities during an attack on a California beach town on July 4, has been charged with murder, officials announced on Tuesday. Logan Christopher Kelley, 26, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and battery on a police officer. The district attorney’s office stated that Kelley has been charged under the provision of “special circumstance of multiple murders,” which could lead to the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on July 4 when Kelley approached a group of individuals watching fireworks in Huntington Beach, located southeast of Los Angeles. Prosecutors disclosed that Kelley had consumed alcohol and hallucinogenic substances before initiating the stabbing spree with a knife.
Two individuals, Eric Hodges, 42, and William Collins, 47, tragically lost their lives in the attack. Additionally, two 35-year-old men and one of their 68-year-old fathers sustained injuries from the stabbing but were expected to recover, as per prosecutors.
Kelley, a resident of the neighboring town of Redondo Beach, was reportedly not acquainted with anyone in the group targeted. After the assault, several bystanders assisted in detaining Kelley until law enforcement arrived, among them a 16-year-old boy. Prosecutors also noted that Kelley allegedly assaulted the teenager, spat on a police officer, and used a racial slur during his arrest.
The incident was part of a series of violent events across the United States that resulted in at least 33 fatalities, including 11 deaths in Chicago. The Fourth of July is historically recognized as one of the most dangerous days in the country.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer remarked, “A day meant for celebrating America and the freedoms we cherish turned into a deadly ordeal caused by a stranger.”
