Four individuals have been taken into custody in relation to the Aug. 31 shooting that critically injured Florida State freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard. The 18-year-old, a Sanford native, is being treated in a Tallahassee hospital where his condition is listed as critical but stable.
Investigators say the shooting happened outside the Havana Heights Apartments in Havana, Florida. Pritchard had just dropped off his aunt and a child when a bullet struck him in the back of the head. Authorities have stressed that he was not engaged in any criminal activity at the time.
Those arrested include Jayden Bodison and Caron Miller, along with a juvenile suspect, each charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of firing into an occupied vehicle. A fourth person, Germany Atkins, was arrested separately on a probation violation.
Florida State coach Mike Norvell voiced support for Pritchard and his family, describing the linebacker as someone who loves football and has shown strength through the ordeal. Pritchard’s father has been seen at recent games standing with the team during this difficult period.
Officials believe the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity, tied to another shooting earlier in the day at the same apartment complex. The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement continues to gather evidence and track leads.
