Man charged in fatal July 4 stabbings in Huntington Beach – NBC Los Angeles

A Redondo Beach man has been charged with fatal stabbings during an Independence Day fireworks display in Huntington Beach while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

Logan Christopher Kelley, 26, was accused of stabbing five strangers, killing two men and injuring three others after consuming alcohol and hallucinogenic drugs.

Prosecutors said Kelley also assaulted a juvenile, with the minor helping to keep Kelley in custody after the attack.

Kelley is charged with two counts of murder, specifically multiple murder, three counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, minor assault on a police officer, and aggravated personal use of a deadly weapon.

Because the murder charge under special circumstances would result in him being sentenced to a maximum of the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, the prosecution was expected to convene a special circumstances committee to decide whether the death penalty should be imposed.

On Independence Day, July 4, officers responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon near 16th Street and Pecan Avenue at approximately 11:15 p.m.

When Kelley approached people he did not know and began stabbing them. 42-year-old Eric Hodges and 47-year-old William Collins died from their stab wounds. Three other men also suffered non-life-threatening injuries.