Witnesses recount deadly Orlando Halloween shooting as victim’s mom seeks closure
Survivors testify in trial over deadly Orlando Halloween shooting
Survivors and police officers testified as prosecutors presented body camera footage in the trial of Jaylen Edgar, who is accused of killing two people and wounding seven others during a 2024 Halloween shooting in downtown Orlando.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Police officers and shooting survivors described the chaotic moments of the 2024 downtown Orlando Halloween shooting as prosecutors presented body camera footage in the trial of Jaylen Edgar, while the mother of one of the two people killed said she is seeking closure and accountability.
Edgar, who was 17 at the time, is accused of opening fire on crowds celebrating Halloween, killing Tyrek Hill and Timothy Schmidt and wounding seven others.
‘Revelry was shattered’
What they're saying:
Orlando police Officer Marcus Medal testified that the shooting began with "one loud pop."
Body camera footage played in court showed crowds scattering as officers rushed toward the gunfire. Medal said he then heard "several more gunshots."
Assistant State Attorney Frank George told jurors the violence abruptly interrupted the Halloween celebrations.
"The revelry was shattered," George said.
Gavin Jones, a friend of Hill who witnessed the shooting, testified that he saw no confrontation before Hill was shot.
"He just pulled out a gun and shot him," Jones said. "There were no words exchanged."
Prosecutors say another burst of gunfire followed. Schmidt was killed during that second round of shooting.
Orlando police Officer Cynthia Lane testified about trying to save Schmidt.
Tyrek Hill (left) and Timothy Schmidt Jr. (right)
"I performed chest compressions for probably about 15 minutes," Lane said.
Seven other people were wounded. Ashley Price was shot in the foot, Noemi Rojas in the leg and Jessica De Carvalho in the hand. Anthony Berry and Jonathan Valle survived gunshot wounds to the head.
"I get seizures now," Valle testified.
Prosecutors say video, DNA and ballistics evidence, along with witness testimony, connect Edgar to the shootings. They said video shows Edgar wearing a bright yellow shirt and bright green backpack.
Body camera footage also captured Orlando police Officer Michael Hernandez identifying the suspected shooter.
"I saw him shoot, I saw him shoot," Hernandez said.
George told jurors prosecutors believe Edgar deliberately went downtown intending to kill people.
"The why is as easy as it is frightening," George said. "He went there to kill as many people as he possibly could."
As witnesses described what happened that night, Hill’s mother, Teresa Clinton, spoke with FOX 35 about the toll her son’s death has taken on her family.
"I want closure. I wanna be able to heal from this," Clinton said.
She described Hill as caring, patient, trusting and humble. He had gone to Orlando to spend Halloween with friends, she said.
Mom of Orlando Halloween shooting victim seeks closure
Survivors and police officers testified as prosecutors presented body camera footage in the trial of Jaylen Edgar, who is accused of killing two people and wounding seven others during a 2024 Halloween shooting in downtown Orlando. Tyrek Hill and Timothy Schmidt were killed. Hill’s mother, Teresa Clinton, said she wants accountability and closure.
"He was just there at wrong time," Clinton said.
Clinton said she wants to understand why the shooting happened and wants the person responsible held accountable. She said she does not believe Edgar has demonstrated remorse.
"He might say he take accountability but at this point I don't really see it," Clinton said.
Still, she said she hopes Edgar eventually receives help.
"Inside I hope he gets the proper help that he needs," Clinton said.
Several victims’ relatives attended the proceedings. One family member wearing a shirt memorializing Hill was asked to turn it inside out before entering the courtroom. Edgar also had relatives in court supporting him.
Edgar said in a letter to the judge that he rejected a plea agreement carrying a 50-year prison sentence, according to FOX 35. He faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.
What's next:
Prosecutors are expected to continue presenting their case Thursday.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Orlando Police Department, proceedings in the Ninth Circuit Court on Aug. 20, 2026, an interview with Teresa Clinton, mother of shooting victim Tyrek Hill, and previous reporting by FOX 35 News.