The Huntington Beach community is in mourning after a violent stabbing rampage during the Fourth of July celebrations left two people dead and three others wounded. According to KTLA, the incident took place around 11 p.m. near 16th Street and Pecan Avenue, where a group had convened to enjoy the fireworks display. One of the victims fatally stabbed was identified as 42-year-old Eric Hodges, whom local Adam Cook described as having a "magnetic personality" and someone who "brought so much joy and happiness into people's lives," ABC7 reports.
The assailant, later identified as 26-year-old Logan Christopher Kelley, reportedly exited a Mini Cooper and began attacking people indiscriminately. Cook, in a statement obtained by ABC7, recounted the mayhem saying, “I came back and it was just complete mayhem,” Cook said. The suspect was eventually subdued by two men at the scene until police arrived, noted KTLA. William Collins, 47, was the second victim who succumbed to his injuries after being stabbed in the lung and neck, as per reports by ABC7.
Three other victims sustained non-life-threatening wounds and are being treated. KTLA identifies them, as two 35-year-old men and a 68-year-old man. The Huntington Beach Police Department, while confirming that the suspect was taken into custody, stated that "there is no longer a public safety threat" related to the incident, as reported by Hoodline.
Kelley is now facing serious charges, including two counts of murder with special circumstances, which could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. He is also accused of assaulting a Huntington Beach police officer during his arrest, as detailed by ABC7. O.C. District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed the community's grief and determination for justice, stating, “A day of celebrating America and all the freedoms we all enjoy turned into deadly chaos at the hands of a stranger,” in a statement obtained by KTLA.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and to honor Eric Hodges' memory. Cook, reflecting on his lost friend and the impact of his loss said, “He inspired all of us and he will be greatly missed,” according to KTLA. The community, still in the shadow of a festive day turned tragic, comes together in the wake of this senseless violence to support those affected and to commemorate the lives of Eric Hodges and William Collins.
