Previous Video: FSU shooting suspect appears in court
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The trial of a Florida State University student accused of killing two people and injuring six others in a mass shooting on campus in April, is set to go to trial this November.
FSU shooter “Stands Mute” as prosecutors seek the death penalty
At the litigation management meeting at Tallahassee Court on Wednesday, Second Judicial Circuit Judge Lance Neff set the jury choice if 20-year-old Phoenix Echner begins the week of November 3.
Ichner’s lawyer, public defense attorney Peter Mills, said it would take more time to dig into the case.
“I disagree with that, judge,” Mills said of the trial schedule. “I’m still investigating the case. My client is entitled to effective support from an attorney.”
Neff showed he was open to hearing Mills’ concerns by saying that he “we can talk about what you need” to investigate the case.
As far as prosecutors are concerned, Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell said “we’re ready.”
So far, the defense has not participated in the discovery. This is the process of exchanging information between parties regarding evidence and witnesses. But that is expected to change, Ichner’s lawyer said.
Ichner faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of first-degree attempted murder. He is the son-in-law of a local sheriff’s deputy, and investigators say he will use his stepmother’s previous service weapon to fire.
The prosecutor in the case intends to seek the death penalty.
Kate Payne is a legion of the Associated Press/America Statehouse News Initiative report. Report for America is a non-profit, national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on infiltrated issues.
