After last year's Gorge Amphitheater shooting, investigations continue

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 3 minutes read

It's been a year since the dreamlike atmosphere of the Gorge Amphitheater was shattered by gunfire in the adjacent campground. Filming took place during the popular Beyond Wonderland festival – that event is set to return this coming weekend.

“I've been to a ton of concerts in my life. It unfortunately felt like a domestic violence situation [last year]” said Seattle's Jason Windham, who goes by the name DJ Meglados. “But I don't think I should worry about going to another concert.”

Windham plans to go to Beyond Wonderland this weekend with about ten friends. Artists Crankdat, Marshmello, Svdden Death and Zedd are all expected to draw big crowds on Saturday and Sunday.

Live Nation – Gorge’s manager – had no comment by deadline. But according to the Beyond Wonderland website, security is now tight in the Gorge. Searches to enter campgrounds can result in wait times of two to three hours.

The suspected Gorge shooter is currently being held in the Grant County Jail, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Two investigations still ongoing

There are two ongoing investigations related to last year's shooting in Gorge. The shooting ended with two people killed and two others shot. The WSP is responsible for the criminal investigation against the suspected shooter for homicides and assaults. Once completed, this case will be referred to Grant County Prosecutor Kevin McCrae.

“Within a month to a month and a half — the end of July — we should be done,” said Lt. Scott Davis of WSP's Spokane-based Criminal Investigation Division.

The North Central Washington Special Investigations Unit, or NCWSIU, is investigating the suspect's police-involved shooting. The NCWSIU is comprised of the law enforcement agencies in Central Washington. This second case is about to be handed over to Chelan County Prosecutor Robert Sealby, according to Capt. Brian Chance. Chance is with the Wenatchee Police Department and is the NCWSIU Public Information Officer for this incident.

“It's not uncommon for investigations, especially on this scale, this incident happened at a large festival, for investigations to last over a year,” Chance said. “However, we are much closer to concluding our investigation, when we will hand over the full file to the prosecutor for review.”

The two cases will also need to be compared before going to prosecutors, Davis said. “As there are two independent investigations, it takes a little more time to ensure those investigations are completed,” he said.

Northwest News Network file

The remaining crowd dances to drum and bass artist Sub Focus at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington, after the shooting at the Beyond Wonderland festival on June 17, 2023.

Live Nation under surveillance

Separately, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced last month that he is “joining with the U.S. Department of Justice and a bipartisan group of 29 other attorneys general in an antitrust lawsuit seeking to breaking Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s monopoly on the live entertainment industry.” » according to a press release.

Live Nation owns, operates or has influence over more than 250 venues in North America, including more than 60 of the 100 largest theaters in the United States, the release said. In Washington, Live Nation operates the Gorge Amphitheater in George, the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield and the White River Amphitheater in Auburn. In Bend, Oregon, Live Nation operates the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. In 2023, Live Nation generated over $22 billion in revenue.

As for DJ Meglados, or Windham, he can't wait to return to the Gorges.

“I think it’s a tragic event that happened, but I don’t think it’s Live Nation’s problem,” Windham said. “Everyone was checked quite thoroughly. I think it was the actions of a bad person. The Gorge is one of the best sites in the world.