TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Phoenix Ikner, the suspect in the Florida State University mass shooting trial, chose to remain “mute” regarding his murder charges on Thursday.
Ikner was indicted on charges of first-degree murder for the deaths of Tiru Chabba and Ricardo Morales, as well as seven attempted murder charges.
In the state of Florida, “standing mute” is what happens when a defendant does not submit any type of plea himself.
Consequently, Ikner’s defense attorney entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf, in accordance with state law. According to court records, he also waived his right to a speedy trial.
Meanwhile, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Ikner, should he be found guilty.
State Attorney Jack Campbell, in an interview with 8 On Your Side, mentioned that while his team has theories about Ikner’s motive for the attack, it is still too early to disclose them publicly.
“My intention is to be able to lay this all bare at a trial and let everybody in the community and the world understand. As soon as the case is over, there’s nothing I’ll ever hide,” Campbell said. “But I also have to get justice both for the victims and for Mr. Ikner.”
