TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The trial for Phoenix Ikner, a 21-year-old Florida State University student, has been postponed until March 30, 2026. Ikner is accused of carrying out a mass shooting on the university's campus in April, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others.

Originally set to begin the week of November 3, the trial's rescheduling follows a report from the court-appointed public defender regarding a conflict of interest that hindered his office from continuing to represent Ikner. In response, 2nd Judicial Circuit Judge Lance Neff has appointed new legal counsel for Ikner, who has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

Ikner faces serious legal repercussions, with two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder on his record stemming from the incident that shook the campus in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. Prosecutors have confirmed their intention to pursue the death penalty in this case.

According to investigative reports, Ikner utilized his stepmother’s former service weapon during the shooting. Notably, Ikner is the stepson of a local sheriff’s deputy, adding a layer of complexity to the case as it draws public attention not only from the incident itself but also from the connection to local law enforcement.

The shooting incident took place on April 17, 2025, and led to a significant outpouring of grief and concern within the university community. In the aftermath, an impromptu memorial of flowers and other tributes was established near the Student Union building on campus to honor the victims.

As the trial approaches, new developments will likely arise, reflecting the ongoing nature of this high-profile case that highlights broader issues related to campus safety and gun violence in the United States.