TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The man facing charges in connection with a shooting at Florida State University’s Student Union is set to change legal representation just weeks ahead of his scheduled trial. Phoenix Ikner, 21, is accused of killing two individuals and injuring several others during the incident on April 17.
Ikner is charged with the deaths of Robert Morales, an FSU dining coordinator, and Tiru Chabba, a food service vendor. The shooting began shortly before noon and ended when an FSU police officer shot Ikner in the face. He is currently awaiting trial, which is slated to begin on November 3.
Court documents reveal that Ikner’s previous attorney, Peter Mills, submitted a motion to withdraw from the case due to an unspecified conflict of interest. In response, Circuit Judge Lance Neff appointed the Office of Regional Civil and Criminal Conflict Counsel to take over Ikner’s defense. The new attorneys have ten days to formally enter their appearance in the case and ensure that they are familiar with ongoing legal proceedings.
There is uncertainty surrounding whether this change in counsel will delay the trial. Mills had previously expressed concerns about the sufficiency of time to review evidence and prepare adequately for the upcoming court date. He had voiced objections to the November schedule in a hearing on July 16, stating that more time is necessary to build a case.
Ikner remains in custody at the Wakulla County Jail, linked to complexities surrounding his familial connections, as his stepmother is a deputy for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. It was revealed that the weapon used in the shooting was a former service firearm belonging to her.
As the legal proceedings unfold, there has been outreach to both the State Attorney’s Office and the Office of Regional Civil and Criminal Conflict Counsel for clarity on how this transition may impact discovery and motion deadlines related to the case. The shooting has sent ripples through the campus community, prompting discussions about safety and security.
As the trial date approaches, attention turns to the implications of new legal representation and how it might influence Ikner’s defense strategy and the overall trajectory of the case. The developing situation continues to raise questions about justice and accountability in the wake of a tragic event that shook a community.