ORLANDO, Fla. —
The man found guilty of killing two people during a shooting rampage in downtown Orlando in 2024 could learn his punishment Tuesday.
Jaylen Edgar was 17 years old when police say he fired at random into the massive crowd on Orange Avenue during Halloween celebrations.
In total, nine people were shot, two of them fatally, and another person was trampled in the chaos. The victims ranged in age from 19 to 39.
The two victims who died were identified as Timothy Schmidt Jr. and Tyrek Hill.
A jury deliberated for less than three hours in August before finding Edgar guilty.
WESH 2 spoke with Hill’s mother and Schmidt’s father after the verdict.
“I am at peace. I believe I can sleep now. This is starting my healing process, and I can move forward. And I got my closure,” said Teresa Clinton, Hill’s mother.
“It was like a cleanse after all this time,” said Tim Schmidt Jr.’s father, Tim Schmidt Sr.
Typically, someone convicted of first-degree murder would face either life in prison or the death penalty, but because Edgar was under 18 years old, the judge must hold a sentencing hearing to decide his punishment.
State law says life in prison is a possibility, but Edgar could also be sentenced to 40 years in prison for each murder charge.
He is eligible for a sentence review after 25 years.
At the hearing, prosecutors and Edgar’s lawyer will argue what punishment the judge should impose.
Victims’ loved ones will also be able to make victim impact statements.