Teen charged in downtown Orlando Halloween shooting to be tried as adult

The teenager charged in the downtown Orlando shooting that killed two and injured several others in the early morning after Halloween will be tried as an adult, a state attorney announced.

Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain (serving the remainder of his term until Monique Worrell returns) announced Monday that 17-year-old Jaylen Dewayne Edgar will face adult charges of two counts of second-degree murder and one of attempted murder. Additional charges could be added as the investigation continues, a briefing says.

“This decision was not made lightly and only after a review of all available evidence,” said State Attorney Andrew Bain. “I have personally reviewed all available records and video evidence in this case and 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.”

Orlando Police Department chief Eric Smith said Friday police officers responded to reports of shots fired at 1:07 a.m. on Nov. 1 at Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue. Video provided by OPD shows crowds of party-goers running to avoid gunfire, with officers and at least two police cruisers visible.

The shooter was tackled to the ground and taken into custody. Video of the shooting, as it occurred, has been shared by OPD.

The two fatalities have been identified as 19-year-old Timothy Schmidt Jr. and 25-year-old Tyrek Hill. Schmidt was a freshman at the University of Central Florida.

A total of nine people were shot and one was injured after being trampled, officials have confirmed. The injured victims were in stable condition following the shooting.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer issued a local state of emergency Friday afternoon, requiring businesses in the downtown entertainment district to end alcohol sales at midnight. The district will also remain under curfew starting at 1 a.m. through 5 a.m. daily.

The local state of emergency and curfew will remain in place through 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8.

“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,” reads a statement from the city.

Under the curfew, individuals are prohibited from being in vehicles or on foot in the area between 1 and 5 a.m.

Exceptions include:

• Anyone engaged in governmental or emergency duties
• Doctors of medicine or dentistry and other medical personnel proceeding to and from their places of work and their patients
• Public service employees proceeding to or from their places of work
• Members of the public proceeding to or from their places of work or residence
• On-duty operators of ambulances or other emergency vehicles
• Members of the media
  

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Members of the public are asked to submit any video or photos from the night that would assist the investigation.

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This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2024.