06/22/2026
Today, Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Shea-Brown sentenced Mason Ashby to confinement until age 21, the maximum possible sentence authorized in juvenile court, for his planned school shooting of Kamiakin High School in September 2025. Mr. Ashby was arrested the same day law enforcement learned of his plan. The case proceeded to trial in January 2026. Mr. Ashby was found guilty of one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, one count of Threats to Bomb/Injure Property, and eleven counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree. Mr. Ashby’s attorneys were provided several months to retain a forensic psychologist to evaluate his mental status, leading to today’s disposition hearing and the resolution of the case.
Numerous representatives of Kamiakin High School and the Kennewick School District presented statements to the court regarding the impact of his actions to the school, the district and the community, including KSD Board President Gabe Galbraith, KSD Superintendent Lance Hansen, Kamiakin Principal Chris Chelin and several Kamiakin teachers. Following their presentation and argument from counsel, Judge Shea-Brown found that there was an appropriate basis to impose a manifest injustice upward sentence above the standard range and sentenced Mr. Ashby to 316 weeks (just over six years) of total confinement, which is the maximum authorized under the law.
The Benton County Prosecutor’s Office would like to thank the two young men from Florida who reported Mr. Ashby’s TikTok post to law enforcement. Their willingness to speak up made this incredible, even miraculous, intervention possible. We would also like to thank Special Agent Mike Pratt of the FBI and the lead detective, Detective Alexander Holden, of the Kennewick Police Department. Due to their quick investigative work, what would have certainly been a terrible disaster was averted. We would also like to thank Benton County Prosecutor Eric Eisinger, who personally handled this case from its inception to completion, and for his advocacy leading to a result where the maximum possible sentence was imposed.
