News Summary
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting of FSU freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard. The shooting, which occurred during a family visit, is believed to be a case of mistaken identity. Pritchard remains in critical but stable condition. The community is rallying around him and his family, emphasizing solidarity during this difficult time. Florida State’s head coach has expressed support for Pritchard, who was a promising player before the incident.
Havana, Florida – Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting of Florida State University (FSU) freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard, who was shot in the head on August 31 while visiting family. The incident occurred as Pritchard was ambushed outside an apartment while dropping off relatives, including his aunt and a child.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the suspects arrested are Jayden Bodison, Caron Miller, Germany Atkins, and an unnamed minor. Bodison, Miller, and the juvenile face multiple felony charges, including three counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle. Atkins has been charged with a single count of probation violation.
The Gadsden County Sheriff, Morris Young, has indicated that the shooting was a case of mistaken identity, shedding light on the chaotic circumstances surrounding the event. Currently, Pritchard is receiving treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition following the traumatic incident.
Pritchard did not participate in Florida State’s season opener against the University of Alabama, ranked No. 8, which took place the day before the shooting. His absence from the game raised concerns among teammates and fans alike. FSU head coach Mike Norvell expressed his support for Pritchard and his family, emphasizing the profound impact of this “senseless act” on the player’s life.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the local community has rallied around Pritchard and his family, offering various forms of support during this challenging time. This solidarity showcases the close-knit nature of the community and highlights the collective concern for the well-being of a promising young athlete.
Prior to joining Florida State, Pritchard was distinguished as a four-star linebacker at Seminole High School in Sanford. His performance on the field was remarkable, helping lead his high school team to a commendable record of 10 wins and 2 losses, culminating in a regional final appearance in the 2024 season. Pritchard’s rising status as an athlete made his sudden and violent injury all the more shocking to those who followed his career.
In a display of resilience and support for his son, Pritchard’s father, Earl, was seen at FSU’s recent win over East Texas A&M. His presence at the game served as an inspiration to players and fans alike, reinforcing the message of solidarity and strength during this turbulent time.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identities of the suspects, more details may emerge that could shed light on this unsettling series of events. Meanwhile, Ethan Pritchard remains in the thoughts and prayers of many, highlighting the indelible bond between athletes, families, and their communities.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com
- Wikipedia: Ethan Pritchard
- WESH
- Google Search: Ethan Pritchard shooting
- WFTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- WPBF
- Google News: FSU football player shooting
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
