Orlando, FL — A harrowing incident unfolded during the early hours of a Halloween celebration in downtown Orlando, resulting in seven wounded and two fatalities, according to a report released Thursday. The arrest affidavit for 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar, the accused gunman, presents a chaotic scene that escalated into violence but offers few clues as to the motive behind the shooting.
The tragedy began around 1 a.m. when Edgar allegedly shot 25-year-old tow truck driver Tyrek Hill in the face, claiming his life almost instantly. According to authorities, the situation worsened when Edgar and his group encountered another group of individuals, leading to a confrontation in front of Sly Fox Bar. During this confrontation, 20-year-old Anthony Berry found himself face-to-face with Edgar. Berry’s attempt to intervene tragically led to further gunshots, which grazed him and fatally struck 19-year-old Timothy Schmidt Jr., a student from the University of Central Florida.
Police reports and surveillance footage revealed that after the initial shooting near the corner of North Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, Edgar continued firing as he moved toward Washington Street. Investigators later found nine bullet casings at the scene.
Orlando law enforcement swiftly responded, arresting Edgar as he attempted to flee with a crowd of panicked partygoers. Edgar, now facing two counts of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted murder among other charges, reportedly told police he had found the weapon earlier the same day. This statement has yet to clarify the reasons behind his dire actions.
In a post-tragedy press conference, Anthony Berry, who narrowly escaped life-threatening injuries, expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, emphasizing his renewed perspective on life and goals. Meanwhile, police scrambled to address the chaos, accentuated by a crowd member being trampled in the frantic escape attempt, pushing the total number of casualties up to eight.
The shooting rattled community members and authorities alike, prompting Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain to call the act “a blatant execution.” Bain underlined the community’s need for peace and the local government’s commitment to preventing such violence.
In the days following, security presence was significantly heightened in the downtown area, with Chief Eric Smith informing the public about efforts involving around 100 officers on the night of the incident alone. The community continues to mourn, reflected in a recent vigil held in Clermont, where family and friends gathered to remember Tyrek Hill.
As the investigation continues, the court has yet to decide on additional charges for Edgar, including grand theft auto relating to a prior unresolved arrest. The community and local authorities are left to grapple with the brutal reality of the event and seek measures to prevent future tragedies.