Seattle Judge to Decide Bail for Alleged Tumbler Ridge Shooting Accomplice

A Seattle district court judge will determine on Tuesday whether to grant bail to James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old Bellingham resident who identifies as she/her and goes by Melody. Prosecutors claim Bryant encouraged and financially assisted Jesse Van Rootselaar, the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooter, by promising a livestream, providing money for an explosive device, and offering months of logistical help via Discord.

Assistant U.S. attorney Todd Greenberg highlighted a failed 20-second livestream and a $14.33 PayPal payment as evidence of a continuing threat. The defense, led by Gregory Murphy and Dennis Carroll, points to Bryant’s cooperation with investigators, lack of personal violence, clean criminal history, stable residence, and long-term job at McDonald’s. They propose conditional release with home detention, a mental-health assessment, and strict internet restrictions.