Orlando Mass Shooting Victims ID’d As Details Emerge About Suspected Gunman
Police have identified the two men killed in the Downtown Orlando shooting on Halloween night.
Tyrek Hill, 25, and Timothy Schmidt Jr., 19, were killed in the early hours of Friday morning when suspected gunman Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17, opened fire in downtown’s entertainment district.
(Left to right) Tyrek Hill, 25, and Timothy Schmidt Jr., 19, were killed in the early hours of Friday morning when suspected gunman Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17, opened fire in downtown’s entertainment district.
Facebook/GoFundMe
Eight other people were injured in the incident: six by gunshot wounds and another who was trampled as the crowd frantically fled from the shots. One additional female victim was identified after she self-transported to a local hospital bringing the total number of victims to 10.
Edgar was charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and six counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm.
“Today I have decided to charge Jaylen Edgar as an adult in this mass shooting,” Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain announced at a press conference Monday.
“This decision was not made lightly and only after reviewing all the available evidence. This decision is based on several aggravating factors, including the brazen nature of the crime, and the multiple victims who were shot in the middle of the street downtown who were out simply celebrating Halloween,” he said.
Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17
Orlando Police Department
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has implemented a curfew of 1 a.m. in Downton Orlando until November 8.
Newsweek has contacted the Orlando Police Department for comment.
Who is Tyrek Hill?
Hill was from Clermont, Florida, according to a GoFundMe created by his family.
“He was a light and humble spirit that impacted every person he met,” organizers wrote. “If it was a smile, a joke, a nickname, or a kind word, he left the world better than he found it. He will be missed but never forgotten.”
At the time of publication, the fundraiser has raised over $4,500 towards its $50,000 goal.
Hill is survived by his mom, siblings, and “a host of family and friends.”
Sean Jerrod Crowder, who referred to Hill as his brother, shared the GoFundMe to his Facebook multiple times, and wrote on Sunday, “We are amazed by the impact that Tyrek Hill had on our community. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming.”
“We are asking for no visitors on Monday, November 4th as we attempt to prepare to say our final goodbyes,” Crowder continued. “We will update you with more visiting hours at a future time. We are so thankful for all your prayers, kind words, visits, food, and donations. We love you and continue to keep our family, especially my mother in your prayers.”
Newsweek has contacted the GoFundMe organizers and Crowder for further comment.
A screenshot from a video shared by Orlando Police which shows the moment before the suspect is arrested.
Orlando Police Department
Who is Timothy Schmidt Jr.?
Schmidt, reportedly called Timo by his family, studied at UCF where he also played soccer, a GoFundMe started by the Alpha Epsilon Pi Nu Delta Chapter of Central Florida states.
“He was an extraordinary person, loving son, caring friend, talented soccer player, astounding teammate, kind soul, hardworking student, and individual with an extremely warm heart and a witty sense of humor,” organizers wrote.
They added that Schmidt also had “aspiring wishes to follow in his father’s footsteps as a successful businessman.”
His father, Tim Schmidt Sr., told the New York Post that he raised his son primarily as a single father since Jr. was 9.
“One month before I dropped him off for his summer session at UCF he was the best man in my wedding and gave the best speech ever,” his dad told the outlet. “He brought everyone to tears. He was my mini me and my best friend. We had such a special bond.”
Newsweek has contacted Tim Sr. and the GoFundMe organizers for comment.
Tim Sr. is the founder of Ice Cold Marketing in Weston, Florida. He mourned the loss of his son in a Facebook post, writing about the GoFundMe, “I know I have some of the best marketers in the world in my circle, and this is the only time I’ll ever ask for a share, tweet, YouTube, Insta, or wherever you have an audience.”
“We work every day on our campaigns and try to ‘go viral’ for our own financial gain, but this one unfortunately has no gains to be made. All funds will cover mentioned expenses and if there is any overage it will be donated to our charities of choice, the Jason Taylor Foundation and SIDES.”
The father concluded, “Let’s go f–king viral for my best friend, my only child, and my pride and joy, Tim Schmidt Jr.”
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