PooTwo people lost their lives and six others were injured in two separate shootings during a Halloween celebration in downtown Orlando early on November 1. Authorities confirmed that a suspect is in custody and faces murder charges.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith reported that officers responded to gunfire shortly after 1 a.m. A second shooting occurred nearby just minutes later, allowing officers to swiftly apprehend a suspect.
The six individuals who were injured were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and are currently in stable condition. Their ages range from 19 to 39. Additionally, a 26-year-old woman sustained injuries after being trampled as the crowd tried to escape.
The deceased were identified as a 25-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, though their names have not been released.
Chief Smith noted that between 50,000 to 100,000 people were present downtown at the time of the incidents, based on the size of the Halloween crowd.
The suspect, 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, had a previous charge of grand theft from last year. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and six counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.
While the motive for the shootings remains unclear, authorities believe Edgar acted alone and do not think he knew the victims.
Chief Smith praised the officers for their quick response, stating, “They found the shooter right when they heard the shooting, while everyone else was running.”
Security camera footage and police body camera video have been released, showing both shootings and the suspect’s arrest.
A handgun was recovered at the second shooting scene, according to Smith.
The fatalities mark the 18th and 19th homicides in Orlando this year.
Witness Sofia Alcala shared her experience with CBS affiliate WKMG, recalling, “Everyone started running… I saw a group of people enjoying Halloween, and then shots fired.”
In response to the violence, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced a local state of emergency that includes a midnight cutoff for alcohol sales and a curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Dyer emphasized the need for safety, saying, “We want a downtown that is fun and vibrant but we have experienced lately brazen criminals willing to shoot and kill innocent victims.”
Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain indicated that charging the suspect as an adult is a possibility, pending further investigation.
In the wake of the incidents, the police department plans to increase patrols in downt
own Orlando over the weekend.
