The man accused of killing two people and injuring seven others during last month’s mass shooting on the campus of Florida State University has been released from the hospital and booked into jail, authorities confirmed Monday.
Phoenix Ikner, 20, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder, according to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. He was initially taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries during the April 17 shooting and underwent multiple surgeries before being medically cleared for transfer to the Leon County Detention Facility.
Ikner, who police say is the stepson of a sheriff’s deputy, allegedly used his stepmother’s former service weapon during the shooting. Due to his family connection to law enforcement, officials later transferred him to the Wakulla County Detention Facility as a precautionary measure. He is currently awaiting his first court appearance.
The shooting left two people dead: Robert Morales, 57, a university dining coordinator, and Tiru Chabba, 45, an Aramark employee. Both were working on campus at the time of the attack. Seven other people were injured, and a motive has not yet been publicly released by authorities.
Chabba’s family held his funeral on April 25 in Greenville, South Carolina, and released a statement through attorneys Bakari Sellers and Jim Bannister. Describing him as a devoted father of two, a loving husband, and a cherished friend, the family asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.
“There are so many questions surrounding this tragic event,” the statement read. “For now, his family is heartbroken and deeply grieving this unimaginable loss… We ask that compassion and respect continue to guide all coverage and conversations moving forward.”
In the days following the shooting, the FSU community rallied for change. Students and faculty marched to the Florida Capitol during legislative sessions, calling on state lawmakers to take action to prevent future acts of gun violence on school campuses.
