News Summary
The school community is uniting in support of Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard, who was shot in a violent incident. Four arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, which authorities believe may stem from mistaken identity. Pritchard, currently in critical condition, has seen an outpouring of support from fans and family, including fundraising efforts for his medical expenses. The investigation continues as the community stands firm behind him during his recovery journey.
Havana, Florida — Four Arrested in Connection with Shooting of Florida State Linebacker Ethan Pritchard
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting of Florida State University linebacker Ethan Pritchard. The suspects include 19-year-old Jayden Bodison, 19-year-old Caron Miller, 21-year-old Germany Atkins, and an unnamed minor. The arrests were made following a shooting incident that occurred on August 31, during which Pritchard was shot in the back of the head while parked outside an apartment complex in Havana, Florida.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass confirmed that Pritchard was ambushed while he was not engaged in any criminal activity. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly dropping off family members, including an aunt and a child. Pritchard remains in critical but stable condition at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital after undergoing surgery.
Authorities have indicated that the shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity, according to Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young. The suspects, Bodison, Miller, and the juvenile, face serious charges including three counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle. Meanwhile, Atkins has been charged with one count of probation violation. As of now, it is unclear whether any of the accused have secured legal representation.
Pritchard, a 6-foot-2, 224-pound freshman from Sanford, was unable to participate in the season opener of Florida State, where the team triumphed over No. 8 Alabama with a score of 31-17. The emotional impact of Pritchard’s shooting reverberated throughout the team and its supporters. Coach Mike Norvell expressed deep sorrow regarding the situation, acknowledging Pritchard’s dedication to the game and the senseless nature of the attack.
Family and friends have banded together to support Pritchard during his recovery. His father, Earl, attended a recent Florida State game against East Texas A&M, being present on the sidelines and in the locker room afterward. Florida State honored Pritchard during that game with players wearing wristbands featuring his number 35 and other tributes to his spirit and resolve.
In a demonstration of community support, Seminole High School in Sanford organized a fundraiser, selling T-shirts emblazoned with Pritchard’s number to help cover his medical expenses. Additionally, a GoFundMe page established to assist Pritchard and his family has raised nearly $130,000 as of the latest updates.
A press conference held on September 10 served to provide updates on the case and the arrests. The event was attended by various local law enforcement officials and representatives from Florida State University, underlining the collective effort to address the situation surrounding Pritchard’s shooting.
Despite the progress in the investigation, Pritchard’s family remains focused on his recovery, with his uncle stating that while he is stable, there is a long road ahead in terms of rehabilitation. Community members and fans continue to rally around him, demonstrating solidarity and commitment as he embarks on this challenging journey toward recovery.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Four Arrested in Connection with Shooting of FSU Player
- Tallahassee.com: Suspects Arrested in FSU Shooting Case
- New York Times: Ethan Pritchard Shooting Arrests
- Click Orlando: Arrests in FSU Linebacker Shooting
- Orlando Sentinel: FSU Player Reported Shot
- Wikipedia: Ethan Pritchard
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
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