A suspect linked to the tragic mass shooting at Florida State University, who was recovering in the hospital, was taken into police custody on Monday.
The Tallahassee Police Department reported that 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner had been shot in the jaw on April 17 for not following police orders. He went through several surgeries during his almost month-long hospitalization.
After his release, he was transferred to a local detention center and officially charged with two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder, as announced by police.
“In any case, especially one of this magnitude, the Tallahassee Police Department has the highest commitment to justice, transparency, and the safety of our community,” Chief of Police Lawrence Revell said Monday. “We are grateful for the work of our detectives, officers, medical personnel, and partner agencies who helped bring us to this point.”
Two food service employees, identified as Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two, and Robert Morales, an FSU alum, were killed in the shooting. Six others were injured.
While little is publicly known about a possible motive in the case, court records have revealed more about Ikner’s past, including that he had several physical and mental health issues.
Ikner is also the stepson of a Leon County deputy, and was said to have gotten access to his stepmother’s personal handgun, which was found at FSU.
The Tallahassee Police Department plans to release a probable cause affidavit providing more information on the case following Ikner’s first appearance in court.
