Melissa Donovan
The 17-year-old teen charged in the Halloween night shooting that left two men dead in downtown Orlando will be tried as an adult, announced previous Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain on Monday.
Jaylen Dewayne Edgar, the teen shooter, is facing two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting that occurred early Friday morning, but prosecutors are also considering upgrading the charges to first-degree murder following further investigation.
“I have personally reviewed all available records and video evidence in this case,” Bain said. “There is no question this individual should be charged as an adult. Orlando Police estimate there were 75,000 people downtown on the night of the shooting. To shoot into a massive crowd like that shows a total disregard for life, and the only recourse is to charge the defendant as an adult because it fits the egregious nature of the crime.”
The Halloween Shooting Incident in Downtown Orlando
The tragic shooting occurred early on the morning of Friday, November 1, 2024, in the heart of downtown Orlando, where many people were gathered for Halloween festivities. Authorities say the shooting led to the deaths of Timothy Schmidt Jr., 19, and Tyrek Hill, 25, both of whom were among nine victims struck by gunfire during the chaotic incident at Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, just after 1 a.m.
According to the Orlando Police Department, after the shooting, Edgar was quickly apprehended by police as he attempted to flee the scene amidst the panicked crowd. Surveillance footage from the scene shows Edgar being tackled and handcuffed following a second round of gunfire. One additional person was injured when they fell and were trampled by others trying to escape the gunfire. The victims, ranging in age from 19 to 39, were injured in the chaos.
Edgar’s Criminal History and Prior Charges
State Attorney Andrew Bain noted that Jaylen Edgar had been previously charged as a juvenile in last November for grand theft of a motor vehicle after he was arrested for driving a stolen car. Edgar had been released to his parents at the time due to his juvenile status.
Bain confirmed that Edgar spoke with investigators regarding the incident, but withheld further details, including the motive for the shooting and what Edgar may have told authorities. Investigators have recovered the firearm used in the shooting, but the investigation is ongoing.
Orlando Mayor Issues Local State of Emergency and Curfew
In response to the violence and the ongoing investigation, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer issued a local state of emergency on Friday afternoon. As part of the emergency measures, businesses in the downtown entertainment district are required to end alcohol sales at midnight. The district is also under a curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. daily, effective through Friday, November 8, 2024.
Exceptions to the curfew include:
- Individuals engaged in government or emergency duties
- Medical personnel and doctors traveling to and from work
- Public service employees and members of the media
- On-duty ambulance operators and emergency vehicles
The goal of these measures is to ensure the safety of the public and prevent further incidents of violence in the area. The curfew applies to both pedestrians and vehicles in the downtown area during the restricted hours.
Victims Identified
The two men killed in the shooting, Timothy Schmidt Jr. and Tyrek Hill, have been identified by authorities. Schmidt, from Weston, was a freshman at the University of Central Florida, while Hill, from Minneola, worked for a towing company in Lake County. The two men were among nine individuals shot during the attack, and their families have been left mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The investigation into the Halloween shooting is ongoing, and authorities are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could help in solving the case. In the meantime, the safety of Orlando residents and visitors remains a top priority.
“We recognize there will be impacts to businesses and residents within this area, however, the safety of every person who lives, works, and visits our downtown is our top priority,” a statement from the City of Orlando said. “We will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure the public’s safety.”
As the investigation continues, the downtown area remains under heightened scrutiny. Orlando residents are urged to stay informed about any further updates related to the case and the ongoing state of emergency.
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