A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Orlando this Halloween, leaving two young men dead and a community reeling. Seventeen-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar stands accused of unleashing a deadly rampage in downtown Orlando, allegedly taking the lives of Timothy Schmidt Jr., a promising 19-year-old University of Central Florida student and soccer player, and 25-year-old Tyrek Hill.
Here is the Suspect 17 years old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar and a body cam showing how it went down!
Legacy media won’t show this! #Halloween pic.twitter.com/g9tZxH7ebt
— Live Updates (@LiveupdatesUS) November 1, 2024
In a chaotic scene that saw eight others injured, Edgar reportedly opened fire on a crowd near “The Block,” a popular entertainment district. Now facing severe charges, Edgar skipped his initial court appearance, leaving his emotional mother to confirm his identity in his place.
Orlando Shooting Update: 17-Year-Old Suspect Skips Court
📌 #OrlandoShooting #CrimeUpdate #CourtProceedings
• Suspect’s Absence: Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17, did not appear at his scheduled court hearing for charges related to the Halloween shooting in Orlando. His mother attended… pic.twitter.com/fMdn40uSMV
— Shred Newz (@Shreddick0) November 4, 2024
Timothy Schmidt Jr. had been enjoying a night out with friends, making the most of Halloween in the vibrant area before the unthinkable happened. Friends, family, and the larger Orlando community have been left to mourn a young man they describe as one-of-a-kind. Schmidt’s father, Timothy Schmidt Sr., shared the special bond he had with his son, recounting memories that only deepen the pain of this sudden loss.
He recalled how just months ago, Schmidt Jr. served as his best man at his wedding, delivering a heartfelt speech that moved everyone to tears. “He was my mini me and my best friend,” Schmidt Sr. said, revealing a father’s devastation at losing not just a son but a beloved companion.
Adding to the horror of that night, Halloween revelers, dressed in costume, were caught in the aftermath of Edgar’s alleged actions. A 26-year-old woman was even trampled during the chaos that erupted once shots rang out. Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith, in a press conference following the incident, confirmed that Edgar had been apprehended. According to police, after firing the first round of shots, Edgar fled the scene only to resurface and reportedly open fire again a block away.
The charges against Edgar are serious: two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and six counts of attempted murder. Given the nature and severity of the alleged crimes, prosecutors are expected to push for Edgar to be tried as an adult. As the court process unfolds, Edgar’s absence from his initial court appearance was noted, though no official reason for his absence has been shared. The court is currently holding him in juvenile custody.
17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar is the Orlando Halloween shooter. He is currently not speaking to detectives or officers. Here is a list of his victims. All I can say is Thank God Florida is a Death Penalty state! pic.twitter.com/hKYNTirGS1
— Mighty_Marsha (@Mighty_Marsha) November 2, 2024
Timothy Schmidt Jr.’s legacy is one of kindness, warmth, and an undeniable passion for soccer. As a member of the USL League Two team Weston FC, Schmidt was admired for his skill on the field and his supportive nature off it. Jacob Egozi, a friend and fellow student, has started a GoFundMe campaign to help support Schmidt Sr. in covering expenses, sharing that Timothy was “an extraordinary person” with a “witty sense of humor and warm heart.” As of the latest update, the fund has garnered over $30,000 toward its $40,000 goal, a testament to the love and respect Schmidt’s community has for him.
