Four Arrested in Shooting of Florida State Linebacker Ethan Pritchard
Florida State University’s linebacker Ethan Pritchard is currently in critical but stable condition after being shot in the head on August 31, 2025, while visiting family in Havana, Florida. In connection with this incident, four individuals have been arrested.
Arrest Details
Suspects Apprehended
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced the arrests of:
- Carson Miller, 18
- Germany Atkins, 23
- Jayden Bodison, 22
- A 16-year-old juvenile (name withheld)
Charges Filed
The charges against the suspects include:
- Miller, Bodison, and the juvenile:
- Three counts of attempted murder
- One count of shooting into an occupied vehicle
- Atkins:
- One count of probation violation
Search Operations
Authorities executed search warrants in the towns of Havana and Woodville, leading to the arrests of the three adult suspects. The teenage suspect turned himself in at the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office.
Incident Background
During a press conference, Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young clarified the circumstances surrounding Pritchard’s shooting. He stated:
"Ethan was doing absolutely nothing wrong when he was shot in the back of the head while dropping off an aunt and a child."
Sheriff Young emphasized that Pritchard was a victim of mistaken identity, linked to an earlier shooting involving Marcus Harris on August 25 at the same location. He asserted that the vehicle Pritchard was driving resembled that involved in Harris’s incident, leading the suspects to target him.
Community Reaction
Support for Pritchard
Ethan Pritchard, a freshman at Florida State, has missed the first two games of the season, which included victories against Alabama and East Texas A&M. His father, Earl Pritchard, made an appearance at the latter game to show support, joining the team on the sidelines.
FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell commented on the situation:
“To know that right now that’s taken away from him in a senseless act… I believe that God has his hand over Ethan and this football team.”
Future Considerations
Pritchard’s recovery and potential return to football remain uncertain as he undergoes treatment. The community continues to rally around him during this challenging time, demonstrating solidarity and support.
Summary
The incident highlights ongoing issues of gun violence and mistaken identity. As details unfold, the community hopes for a swift recovery for Ethan Pritchard and has rallied support for him through various means.
For updates on the shooting and Pritchard’s condition, stay tuned to reputable news outlets and local Florida news channels. If you or someone you know needs help regarding issues of violence, consider reaching out to local professionals or organizations for support.
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By following these developments, we can better understand the impact on the Florida State community and advocate for change.
