The individual believed to be responsible for a shooting at Florida State University on April 17, which left two people dead and six injured, faced a court hearing on Tuesday where he was denied bail.
Phoenix Echner, 20, appeared before Circuit Court Judge Monique Richardson at the Leon County Courthouse. During the proceedings, he was represented by public defender Randall Harper.
Echner is facing serious charges, including two counts of first-degree attempted murder involving a firearm, along with seven counts of first-degree murder.
The state requested that he be held without bond and also sought an order that would prevent him from contacting victims’ families or potential witnesses involved in the case. The judge approved these requests after Harper chose not to contest them.
Following his release from the hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries for a gunshot wound to his face, Echner has been booked into the Wakulla County Detention Facility. Authorities noted this transfer was standard procedure since his stepmother works as a deputy at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
People are still piecing together details surrounding the motive for the violence on campus. In a recent statement, the Tallahassee Police Department emphasized their commitment to justice and community safety, expressing gratitude for the efforts of law enforcement and medical professionals involved in the incident.
Echner’s history is also coming to light. Court documents reveal that he was allegedly involved in a custody dispute after being taken by his biological mother during a custody violation back in 2015.
