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FSU Student Faces Trial for Deadly Campus Shooting

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Memorial on FSU campus honoring shooting victims

News Summary

The trial for Phoenix Ikner, a Florida State University student accused of a mass shooting on campus, is set to begin in November. Facing serious charges including first-degree murder, Ikner is under scrutiny for his use of a weapon linked to his stepmother. The incident, which claimed two lives and injured six others, has reignited discussions about gun violence and campus safety, prompting measures like remote class options at FSU to support affected students.

Tallahassee, Florida – A trial date has been set for Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State University (FSU) student accused of a deadly mass shooting on campus in April 2025. The trial is scheduled to commence the week of November 3, 2025, following a ruling from Second Judicial Circuit Judge Lance Neff during a recent case management conference.

Ikner is facing multiple serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder. The state plans to seek the death penalty against him. His defense attorney, public defender Peter Mills, has indicated that more time is needed to thoroughly investigate the case, which involves a significant amount of video surveillance footage and witness testimony.

According to reports, Ikner utilized a weapon originally belonging to his stepmother, which was a former service weapon, to carry out the shootings. The tragic incident unfolded shortly before noon on April 17 at the FSU Student Union and resulted in the deaths of two individuals: Robert Morales, a 57-year-old university dining coordinator, and Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old vendor employee. Six others were wounded during the attack; fortunately, all five injured students are expected to recover.

Surveillance footage from the incident depicted Ikner pursuing and shooting his victims, showcasing the violent nature of the attack. Eyewitnesses reported that Ikner attempted to shoot a victim with a shotgun before switching to a handgun, amplifying the seriousness of the situation. A significant police response helped neutralize Ikner shortly after the shooting began, likely preventing further loss of life.

The legal process is advancing, with a monthly case management conference scheduled leading up to the trial. The judge has expressed willingness to accommodate the defense’s request for additional preparation time. The discovery cutoff is set for October 1, with deadlines for filing motions due by October 10. Thus far, the defense has not engaged in the discovery process but plans to file necessary motions within the week.

The mass shooting has raised urgent discussions regarding gun violence and campus safety, as it marks Florida’s sixth mass shooting of the year. In response to the traumatic event, FSU has implemented measures such as offering remote class options and waiving mandatory attendance to support students during this difficult time. Memorials for the victims have been established on campus, reflecting the community’s shared grief and support in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The incident has not only shaken the FSU community but has sparked broader conversations about the continuing issues of gun violence across the nation. As the legal proceedings continue, many remain vigilant and concerned over campus security measures, emphasizing the need for effective policies to prevent further tragedies.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Big Bend Community Faces Trials, Leadership Changes, and Environmental Issues
Florida Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for FSU Shooting Suspect
Tallahassee Sees Encouraging Drop in Violent Crime Despite Recent Shooting Incidents
Tragic Shooting at Florida State University Raises Safety Concerns
Tallahassee Experiences Significant Crime Decline in 2025

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

TALLAHASSEE STAFF 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.

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