James Gill III pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter during an Oct. 28 arraignment hearing in Clark County Superior Court in connection with the Aug. 15 shooting death of 18-year-old Trent Richardson at Hockinson Meadows Community Park in Brush Prairie.
Gill, 18, appeared remotely before Judge Christine Hayes and waived his right to a speedy trial. The court scheduled a one-week trial beginning March 1, 2027, with a readiness hearing set for Feb. 19. Gill's next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. for an omnibus hearing. The court also approved a request allowing Gill to travel to California for a family event.
Richardson died from a gunshot wound during the early morning hours of Aug. 15 after a handgun discharged at the park. Clark County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched shortly after 1 a.m. for a report of an 18-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the initial investigation, a large group of people, mostly in their late teens, had gathered at the park after hours. Witnesses told investigators that a handgun discharged while in Gill's hands. Gill was an acquaintance of Richardson. A Glock 17 handgun was recovered at the scene.
Gill was arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of second-degree manslaughter.
Both Richardson and Gill were 2026 graduates of Battle Ground High School. Richardson was a former standout Battle Ground Tigers football player and was remembered during an Aug. 16 candlelight vigil at District Stadium in Battle Ground. Hundreds attended the gathering, where friends and family shared memories of his friendliness, faith, energy and athleticism. Battle Ground football coach Mike Woodward has retired Richardson's No. 18 jersey.
Richardson's parents told attendees of the vigil to keep Gill and his family in their thoughts, adding that the incident involved no malice and that Richardson’s death was a tragic accident.
Since the Aug. 16 vigil, Richardson has been honored in multiple other ways in the Battle Ground community including a flag flown at Battle Ground City Hall in his honor.
