TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – It’s been more than a month since the fatal mass shooting at Florida State University. The big ju judge has been charged with 20-year-old Phoenix Echner with two counts of first-degree murder. However, many questions remain, including motivation.
News Channel 8 by your side sat with Leon County State lawyer Jack Campbell. Jack Campbell said the investigation is active and will continue until the trial, which could be six months later.
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“We’ve never stopped looking for more evidence, we’re not going to stop looking for the truth,” Campbell said.
In addition to murder charges, Ichner faces seven counts of attempted murder.
“Unfortunately, we’ve been to scenes like this before. It was filming at school. This was the first thing I’ve ever been to and something I didn’t want,” Campbell said.
On April 17, 2025, Ichner is said to have fired in a 3-minute and 3-second rampage on Florida State University campus. Despite prompt response from law enforcement, two people have been killed, six others have been injured, and hundreds more have been left injured.
“I hope that the people of the state and the country will know that we are better than this,” Campbell said. “This community is better than this. We’ll be together. We’ve seen it all overnight. We’ve seen it through the support that everyone has and we’ve seen it get better.”
The tragic events starting April 17th have attracted attention from people across the country and the public who are questioning concerns about gun access, mental health and campus security in the state.
The top question for many in the community is whether the investigator knows the motivation behind Ichner’s actions.
When asked, Campbell said he had a theory about possible motivations, but it was too early to share them publicly.
“My intention is to get this naked at trial and make everyone in the community and the world understand. As soon as the case is over, I have nothing to hide,” Campbell said. “But I also have to get justice for both the victim and Mr. Ichner.”
Ichner’s next court appearance will be on June 11th, when his arrest is scheduled. However, it may be abandoned by defense. More major court dates may then be set.
According to Campbell, there is a 175-day legal trial deadline from the date of arrest. He said prosecutors are ready to go in six months but acknowledge that defense may require more time for preparation.
