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Jaylen Dwayne Edgar: Who is 17-year-old Orlando shooting suspect?

By and
Updated  November 1, 2024 3:19pm 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 seven 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 the authorities:

Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17, faces two counts of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder.

  • According to Police Chief Eric Smith, the suspect is 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar.
  • He's been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and six counts of attempted first degree murder with firearm
  • 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.

Stay with FOX 35 for updates on this developing story.