News Summary
In a troubling incident in Havana, Florida, four suspects have been arrested following the shooting of Ethan Pritchard, a freshman linebacker at Florida State University. Pritchard was shot in the back of the head while dropping off family members and is in critical condition. The shooting is believed to be a case of mistaken identity. Authorities are stressing the role of community tips in apprehending the suspects, who face multiple charges including attempted murder. A GoFundMe campaign has also been established to assist Pritchard’s family during this difficult time.
Havana, Florida – Four Arrested in Shooting of Freshman Linebacker
On October 6, 2025, four individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting of Ethan Pritchard, a freshman linebacker for Florida State University (FSU). Pritchard was shot in the back of the head on August 31 while he was outside an apartment complex in Havana, Florida, reportedly dropping off family members, including an aunt and a child. He is currently in critical but stable condition at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital after undergoing surgery for his injuries.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced that the suspects arrested include Caron Miller (18, Havana), Jayden Bodison (22, Woodville), and a 16-year-old minor from Havana. Each of these individuals faces three counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle. Additionally, Germany Atkins (23, Havana) was charged with a violation of probation. The arrests were made following the execution of search warrants on the same day, with the minor having turned themselves in to authorities.
Authorities have indicated that the shooting was likely a case of mistaken identity, with Pritchard and his family described as being “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young confirmed the arrests and emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that tips and leads contributed significantly to the resolution of this case.
Ethan Pritchard did not participate in FSU’s season opener against No. 8 Alabama due to the severity of his injury. The university’s athletic director, Michael Alford, reported that Pritchard is currently in recovery. In response to the incident, a GoFundMe page has been set up for Ethan Pritchard and his family, which has raised nearly $130,000 to support them during this challenging time.
The investigation into the shooting involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FDLE, the Florida State University Police Department, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, all of which collaborated to apprehend the suspects involved. FSU’s head coach, Mike Norvell, expressed concern for Pritchard and his family during a press conference, highlighting Pritchard’s passion for the sport and the team’s collective commitment to supporting him.
This incident has cast a shadow over the football program and the Florida State University community, prompting widespread attention and support for Pritchard and his family as they navigate the aftermath of this violent act.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Ethan Pritchard Shooting Arrests
- WPBF: Arrest Announcement in FSU Shooting
- Click Orlando: Arrests Made in FSU Linebacker Shooting
- Google Search: Ethan Pritchard Shooting
- Wikipedia: Florida State Seminoles Football
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.
