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

Trump Threatens Tariffs on Nations Opposing U.S. Control Over Greenland

WASHINGTON – On Friday, President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of…

Apply for Home Energy Assistance: Appointments Open February 1 for Low-Income Households

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. — In a significant move to assist the community’s…

Kathleen Kennedy Exits Lucasfilm: A New Era for Star Wars Franchise Leadership

Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her role as the head of…

HHS Grant Reversal Sparks Turmoil in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs

NEW YORK – Elizabeth Woike felt a glimmer of hope as news…

Benefits of Running Your Pool Overnight in Freezing Florida Conditions

ORLANDO, Fla. – As winter approaches, the familiar mantra of protecting the…

Former Miss Universe Alleges She Awarded Trump Her Nobel Peace Prize in Surprising Encounter

On Thursday, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado revealed that she had…

Urgent Recall Alert: Over 964,000 Frigidaire Mini Fridges Pulled Due to Fire Hazards

NEW YORK – In response to a series of fire incidents, a…

Florida Woman Charged After Allegedly Assaulting Trooper During ICE Incident

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a dramatic incident on Beach Boulevard, a woman…