Families of 2 killed in Orlando Halloween shooting to file lawsuit, calling for change
Families of 2 killed in Orlando Halloween shooting to file lawsuit
The families of two men killed in a 2024 Halloween shooting in downtown Orlando are expected to file a lawsuit against the city, police, and event organizers for alleged negligence.
ORLANDO, Fla. - The families of two men killed when an alleged teenage gunman opened fire on crowds celebrating Halloween in downtown Orlando last year announced Tuesday their intention to file a lawsuit this month.
During a joint news conference Tuesday morning, the parents of 19-year-old Timothy Schmidt Jr. and 25-year-old Tyrek Hill spoke alongside attorneys Michael Haggard and Douglas McCarron, who represent victims of gun violence. They called for justice, accountability, and systemic change to prevent future tragedies.
Who do they plan to sue?
Dig deeper:
They have filed notices of intent to sue the City of Orlando and the Orlando Police Department – as required by state law, Haggard said.
They also plan to sue several private organizations within the entertainment district, the block, and various entities allegedly involved in the 2024 Halloween celebrations.
The families allege negligence in crowd control, security planning, and overall public safety during one of the city’s largest annual events.
They are seeking accountability and answers to several questions, including who planned the event, who obtained the permit, and what security protocols were in place.
Tyrek Hill (left) and Timothy Schmidt Jr. (right)
‘Orlando needs answers’
What they're saying:
Haggard's law firm has represented several victims of mass shootings in Florida, including the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, the 2018 shooting at the hot yoga studio in Tallahasee and the 2023 Dollar General shooting in Jacksonville.
"We stand here next week, nine years after Pulse where 49 people lost their lives. And everybody in the community should ask one question. Has anything changed? Has anything changed in society? Has anything changed in how businesses deal with this?," Haggard said.
RELATED | Remembering the victims in the downtown Orlando shooting
"The United States averages over 600 mass shootings a year since 2020," Haggard added. "Orlando needs answers from their government and from this entertainment district."
Families announce lawsuit after deadly Halloween shooting in Orlando
The families of two men killed when an alleged teenage gunman opened fire on crowds celebrating Halloween in downtown Orlando last year announced Tuesday their intention to file a lawsuit this month. During a joint news conference Tuesday morning, the parents of 19-year-old Timothy Schmidt Jr. and 25-year-old Tyrek Hill spoke alongside attorneys Michael Haggard and Douglas McCarron, who represent victims of gun violence. They called for justice, accountability, and systemic change to prevent future tragedies.
Grieving parent, Timothy Schmidt Sr., called on the City of Orlando to take responsibility, questioning why the city’s streets remain unsafe, urging real change before another mass shooting occurs.
"What's it going to take – a shooting at Disney?"
"It's a tourism destination. One of the top in the world. You want people to keep coming here? Shape up," Schmidt Sr. said. "What's it going to take – a shooting at Disney? A theme park? In a sports arena? Why are the streets not safe, but those places seem to be?" he said.
Schmidt Sr. expressed his commitment to turning grief into action through a charity called Until Forever, in honor of his son. It is dedicated to supporting families affected by senseless violence.
Tyrek Hill’s mother, Teresa Clinton, shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering her son as a kind and ambitious young man who was on the verge of buying his first tow truck.
In her grief, she called for accountability and urged the city and community to take action, so no other family has to endure the same pain.
"To lose your child like this – it's the worst thing ever," Clinton said. "We know that we all have to leave here, but what a way to go.. because of someone else's negligence."
2 killed, 8 others injured in Orlando shooting
The backstory:
Shortly after 1 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2024, a shooting occurred near Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, sending people running and yelling throughout downtown Orlando.
Minutes later, the alleged suspect opened fire near Orange Avenue and Washington Street, feet from a group of Orlando police officers and people milling around downtown. Within moments, the suspect is tackled to the ground and detained.
Surveillance video and bodycamera video show the moment the suspect fired his gun, and the moment he was tackled by authorities.
The Orlando Police Department said between 50,000 and 100,000 people were downtown at the time of the shooting. Nearly 100 officers were already downtown in anticipation of the busy holiday weekend.
The shooting resulted in 10 victims: two were killed, seven others were injured by gunfire, and one was trampled. The victims ranged in age between 18 and 39.
Who is the suspect?
What we know:
Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17, has remained in the Orange County Jail since the shooting on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
Police said Edgar was armed with a handgun, though it wasn't clear how he came into possession of the weapon. He did not appear to visit any bars, clubs, or businesses downtown.
Jaylen Edgar (Credit: Orange County jail)
A motive in the shooting is not known.
He has a status hearing scheduled for August 25 at 9 a.m., Orange County court records show. He will be tried as an adult.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the attorneys representing the parents of Tyrek Hill and Timothy Schmidt Jr on June 3, 2025. Additional details regarding the shooting was previously shared by the Orlando Police Department.