News Summary
Florida State University freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard is in critical but stable condition after being shot while visiting family in Havana, Florida. The incident occurred near the Havana Heights Apartments, and authorities are treating the case as a potential mistaken identity. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting. The FSU community is rallying around Pritchard and his family, as investigations continue to understand the circumstances of this violent crime.
Florida – Florida State University freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard remains in critical but stable condition following a shooting incident late Sunday night while visiting family in Havana, Florida. Pritchard was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery after being shot.
The shooting took place near the Havana Heights Apartments at the intersection of 16th Street and South Main Street in Gadsden County. Reports indicate that Pritchard, while dropping off family members, was shot from within a vehicle. Following the incident, he was admitted to the intensive care unit for further monitoring.
In response to the tragic event, Florida State Football expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and care received, while also requesting privacy for Pritchard’s family during this challenging time. FSU Football Coach Mike Norvell visited Pritchard in the hospital, offering thoughts and prayers for both him and his family. Coach Norvell emphasized the character of Pritchard amid these unfortunate circumstances.
The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office is treating the shooting as a potential case of mistaken identity. Following inquiries into the situation, misinformation regarding potential suspects started circulating on social media. To clarify, the Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation is ongoing, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken the lead on the case.
In connection with the shooting, law enforcement officials have arrested four individuals: Jayden Bodison, Caron Miller, Germany Atkins, and a 16-year-old minor. Bodison, Miller, and the juvenile face multiple charges, including three counts of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle. Court records reveal that prior arrests involving some of the suspects relate to firearm offenses.
Prior to the shooting, Pritchard did not participate in the season-opening game against Alabama but had garnered positive attention during preseason practices. His family has publicly thanked the community for its support, asking for continued privacy as they navigate this difficult period. Pritchard’s father has been active within the FSU community, attending games and providing support for the football team.
Investigators have indicated that Pritchard was “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and were not looking into any wrongdoing on his part at the time of the shooting. This reinforces the heartbreaking scenario that a promising young athlete has found himself as a victim of a violent crime.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities continuing to seek further information that may aid in their efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The impact of the incident resonates not only within the Pritchard family but also throughout the FSU community as they rally to support one of their young players in a moment of crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tallahassee: Ethan Pritchard Reported Hospitalized
- Wikipedia: Ethan Pritchard
- ESPN: 4 Arrests Made in Connection with Shooting
- Google Search: Ethan Pritchard Shooting
- Click Orlando: Florida State Football Player Shot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ethan Pritchard
- My News 13: Suspects Being Held Without Bond
- Google News: Ethan Pritchard Florida State
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
