Orlando, Fla. – The 17-year-old man suspected of shooting a handgun during Halloween celebrations in downtown Orlando, killing 2 men and injuring eight others, did not attend his court appearance Saturday morning.
Instead, Jaylen Dwayne Edgar’s mom, visibly emotional, stood next to the public defender in the juvenile courtroom.
“Could you speak into the microphone?” the judge asked, “just take a moment, collect yourself.”
Edgar’s mom did not say anything further, and did not say anything as she walked out of court.
The 17-year-old suspect has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder, officials said.
State Attorney Andrew Bain said shortly after the shooting that it is possible that Edgar could be charged as an adult.
The judge ruled that the teen would remain in juvenile detention until his next court hearing. “He will be held in secure detention until his adjudicatory hearing,” she said.
Attorney Albert Yonfa, who is not connected with the case, said he expects prosecutors will charge Edgar as an adult.
“The State Attorney has the right to directly file this individual as an adult even though he’s 17-years-old because of the heinousness of the crime he’s being accused of,” he said.
The shooting timeline
Orlando police said gunfire was reported at 1:07 a.m. on Friday in downtown Orlando, sending thousands of people running for cover. Three minutes later, officers heard gunfire a block away.
Police said the suspected gunman fired shots in front of police officers, who quickly tackled him to the ground.
Two men were killed, one of whom attended the University of Central Florida, and eight others were hurt. Seven had gunshot wounds, and one was trampled as people were running away, police said.
“We all know shooting people solves nothing. This person right here threw away his life for what? For some little beef or whatever’s gonna come out in the investigation. We all know it’s not going to be the most serious thing in the world,” said Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith.
“So, it’s one of those kind of things we need everybody’s help but we’ll continue to do what we do, we’ll continue to provide heavy security downtown, and have a large presence and be ready for anything that comes,” he said.
Orlando police want photos or videos from the shooting
Anyone with photos or videos of the downtown shooting is asked to send them to the Orlando Police Department, which could aid in its investigation.
Orlando Mayor implements downtown curfew, restricts alcohol after shooting
In response to the shooting, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer placed a temporary curfew, from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., on the downtown entertainment district.
He also mandated that alcohol sales end at midnight, he said. The curfew and limit on alcohol sales would last a week, until next Friday.
Former Orlando police chief Orlando Rolon said it was a step in the right direction.
“Somewhere during this conversation, there’s got to be some ground for some adjustment on how business is conducted in the downtown area,” he said.
