FSU shooting suspect released from hospital, charged in victims' deaths
Share and Follow

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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

2 women arrested after 5-year-olds found abandoned in shed: Florida deputies

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two women were arrested after two 5-year-olds…

“Augusta Reaches Hurricane Helene Cleanup Milestone with Collection of Over 3.4 Million Tons of Debris”

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The City of Augusta announced Monday it has…

Joint announcement by Richmond and Burke County Sheriff’s Departments regarding the passing of Xavion Wimberly

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Big news and big money came out of…

A village in the Himalayas with a water scarcity problem relocated and began anew

SAMJUNG – The Himalayan village of Samjung did not die in a…

Coral reef cross-bred pilot program shows signs of success

APOLLO BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Scientists have successfully spawned a cross-bred coral…

Glastonbury festival embraced both music and activism before the Bob Vylan dispute emerged.

LONDON – The Glastonbury Festival is making headlines for controversy rather than…

“SBAC Marks 35 Years of Impact with Giveback Campaign Kickoff”

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) is celebrating…

Trump to visit detention center known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ this week

(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump is expected to visit Florida’s controversial detention…