A 15-year-old is charged with 11 counts of attempted murder in a shooting near Florida A&M University’s homecoming game that police say grew out of a fight, and none of the 12 people hurt appear to have been the targets.
Story Highlights
- The shooting happened around 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, near Bragg Memorial Stadium, and police arrested a 15-year-old on Sunday, October 25.
- The teen is accused of 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent.
- Twelve people were hurt, 11 of them by gunfire. Six were children, and the youngest was 11.
- Police say a fight came before the shots and that more arrests are possible.
Tallahassee Police Announce Arrest And Charges
Tallahassee police said detectives arrested a 15-year-old boy on Sunday in the shooting near Florida A&M University, known as FAMU, during its homecoming weekend. Police said he faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder, one for each person who was shot. In Florida, second-degree murder is a charge used when prosecutors say someone acted with deadly disregard for human life but did not plan the killing ahead of time.
He is also charged with possession of a firearm by a delinquent. In Florida, a young person whom a juvenile court has found committed a felony is called “delinquent,” and state law bars him from having a gun. Police said they worked with State Attorney Jack Campbell, the elected prosecutor for the Tallahassee area, on the charges. The teen has not been convicted of any crime.
Police Chief Lawrence Revell called the arrest “a significant step forward.” He also said the investigation “remains active and open” and that more arrests are possible. “We will determine what happened, identify those responsible, and get answers for all of the victims,” he said.
What Police Say About The Victims And The Shooting
The gunfire broke out Saturday night near Perry and Manatee streets, outside Bragg Memorial Stadium, where FAMU plays its home football games. Police said 12 people were hurt. Eleven were shot, and the twelfth, the grandmother of one of the victims, hurt herself while running from the scene. “We know that our youngest victim is 11 years old,” Revell said. No one was killed.
In an update Sunday, police said five victims had been released from the hospital, six were still being treated, and one was in critical condition. FAMU President Marva B. Johnson said the shooting did not happen on campus, and the school is offering support to the injured “members of our FAMU family.”
Police say early findings show a physical fight came before the shots, and that it grew out of a dispute between people who knew each other. Detectives believe none of the victims were the intended targets. Police have not released more about what started the fight.
How Detectives Worked The Case
Police said officers responded right away and that detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit worked through the night reviewing digital evidence and leads. On Sunday morning they went door to door in the area and collected physical evidence. The arrest came that Sunday, the day after the shooting.
Detectives are still asking for help. “We know there are people who saw something, heard something or may have video that could help,” Revell said. Anyone with photos or video can call the police tip line at 850-891-4610. Anonymous tips can go to Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.
Legal Path Ahead And Public-Safety Stakes
Because the accused is 15, his case starts in Florida’s juvenile system. Under state law, prosecutors can ask a judge to move the case of a child 14 or older to adult court, where the penalties are much tougher. A judge first holds a hearing and looks at the charge, the child’s past and public safety. Officials have not said whether they will seek that move.
For the families who came out to celebrate homecoming, the cost is already high. Six children were among the wounded, and a grandmother was hurt running for safety. Many readers want swift, firm action against gun violence near schools and crowds, and in this case police made an arrest within a day. The case will be decided in court, but the message from police is clear: they are not done, and anyone else involved should expect them to keep looking.
Sources:
wgme.com, abcnews.com, tallahassee.com, cbsnews.com, wftv.com, ojjdp.ojp.gov