FSU shooting suspect released from hospital, charged in victims' deaths
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — The man believed to be responsible for carrying out a deadly mass shooting at Florida State University was released from the hospital Monday and taken into police custody.

The Tallahassee Police Department said 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner was shot once in the jaw on April 17 after he refused to comply with officers’ commands. Ikner underwent multiple surgeries during his near month-long hospital stay.

Phoenix Ikner (Credit: Leon County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities said he was taken to a detention facility in the region after his release Monday. Ikner was also formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder, according to police.

“In any case, especially one of this magnitude, the Tallahassee Police Department has the highest commitment to justice, transparency, and the safety of our community,” Chief of Police Lawrence Revell said Monday. “We are grateful for the work of our detectives, officers, medical personnel, and partner agencies who helped bring us to this point.”

Two food service employees, identified as Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two, and Robert Morales, an FSU alum, were killed in the shooting. Six others were injured. 

While little is publicly known about a possible motive in the case, court records have revealed more about Ikner’s past, including that he had several physical and mental health issues.

Ikner is also the stepson of a Leon County deputy, and was said to have gotten access to his stepmother’s personal handgun, which was found at FSU.

The Tallahassee Police Department plans to release a probable cause affidavit providing more information on the case following Ikner’s first appearance in court.

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