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Downtown Orlando shooting: What we know about 17-year-old alleged suspect

By and
Updated  November 1, 2024 8:44am EDT
Orlando
FOX 35 Orlando

State Attorney Andrew Bain on downtown Orlando shooting

Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain said the 17-year-old suspect accused of killing 2 and injuring six in a shooting overnight in downtown Orlando could be charged as an adult. He said he believed there are aggravating factors that could allow him to be charged as an adult, however, the police investigation needs to be completed first.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A teenage boy is accused of shooting several people who were celebrating Halloween in downtown Orlando, police said. Two people have died, and at least six others remain hospitalized.

Between 50,000 and 100,000 were in downtown Orlando, Police Chief Eric Smith said, noting that Halloween is one of the city's busiest nights. 

Shortly after the shooting, police located and tackled the suspect. Here is what we know about the alleged suspect from authorities:

  • According to Police Chief Eric Smith, the suspect is 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar.
  • He was armed with a handgun. It wasn't clear how he came into possession of the gun.
  • He fired once, ran away, and then started shooting again within feet of police officers. The first shooting happened around 1:07 a.m. near Orange Avenue and Central Blvd. The second shooting happened minutes later near Orange Avenue and Washington.
  • He did not appear to visit any bars, clubs, or businesses downtown.
  • "We didn't see him go into any clubs. He pretty much walked into downtown, walked up the street, and did what he did," Chief Smith said.
  • Police currently believe he is the only suspect.
  • A motive in the shooting is not known. It's also unknown if he was targeting anyone specific among the crowds.
  • He was arrested in 2023 under suspicion of grand theft, officials said.

Watch: Crowd runs after shooting in downtown Orlando

Orlando police are investigating a shooting early Friday morning in downtown Orlando, where hundreds were celebrating Halloween. A FOX 35 camera that overlooks Wall Street showed a massive crowd running shortly after 1 a.m., followed by police running in the opposite direction.

Stay with FOX 35 for updates on this developing story.