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FSU Shooting Suspect Denied Bond in Initial Court Appearance

Phoenix Ikner, accused of killing two and injuring six on April 17, faces multiple charges and remains in custody without bond after his first court hearing.

Today, May 12, Phoenix Ikner was released from a local hospital following an extended stay and multiple surgeries to treat injuries he sustained during the April 17 shooting at Florida State University, where he opened fire on campus and was subsequently shot by responding officers. Ikner has been transported to a detention facility in the region. He faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder. “In any case, especially one of this magnitude, the Tallahassee Police Department has the highest commitment to justice, transparency, and the safety of our community,” Chief of Police Lawrence Revell said. “We are grateful for the work of our detectives, officers, medical personnel, and partner agencies who helped bring us to this point.” In keeping with the Tallahassee Police Department’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the probable cause affidavit will be made publicly available following Ikner’s first appearance in court.
An impromptu memorial of flowers and other items laid near the center of the Florida State campus in sight of the Student Union building, Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
An impromptu memorial shared online brings students bearing flowers near the center of the Florida State campus in sight of the Student Union building, Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

Overview

  • Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder after the April 17 campus shooting.
  • Ikner made his first court appearance remotely on May 13, where a judge ordered him held without bond and appointed public defenders to represent him.
  • Authorities confirmed that the handgun used in the attack belonged to Ikner's stepmother, a longtime Leon County sheriff's deputy, and are investigating how he accessed the weapon.
  • The victims who lost their lives in the shooting were identified as Robert Morales, a university dining coordinator, and Tiru Chabba, an executive with campus food service vendor Aramark.
  • Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the shooting, which lasted less than five minutes before campus police shot and apprehended Ikner.