Opening statements begin in trial of teen accused in deadly Orlando Halloween shooting
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Opening statements are set to begin Thursday morning in the trial of Jaylen Edgar, who is accused of killing two people and injuring several others during Halloween celebrations in Orlando in 2024.
Edgar, who was 17 at the time, is accused of opening fire into a large crowd on Orange Avenue, killing Tyrek Hill and Timothy Schmidt Jr. Investigators have not been able to explain why Edgar carried out the shooting, as he did not appear to have any connection to the victims.
Edgar has sent letters to the judge claiming he was suffering from an “extreme mental or emotional disturbance” at the time of the shooting. However, his lawyer has stated in court that he cannot argue Edgar is not guilty by reason of insanity because doctors who evaluated him did not support that claim.
The judge has said Edgar can make the claim himself if he chooses to testify during the trial.
Edgar’s lawyer does not want to use the defense strategy Edgar prefers, which would require Edgar to take the stand to present his case.
The two sides spent the past two days selecting a jury, asking potential jurors whether they could remain impartial.
Opening statements are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Edgar cannot face the death penalty because he was 17 at the time of the shooting.