Timothy Schmidt Jr., a 19-year-old freshman at the University of Central Florida, was a talented soccer player and a beloved son with a bright future. Known to his family as “Timo,” the White male from Weston, Florida, was described by friends and coaches as humble, funny, and the “sweetest person.” He was studying marketing and hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps as a businessman.
Timothy was raised primarily by his father, Timothy Schmidt Sr., who called his son his “mini me and my best friend.” The two shared a special bond, and just months before his death, Timothy served as the best man at his father’s wedding, giving a speech that brought everyone to tears.
In the early hours of November 1, 2024, Timothy was out with friends enjoying Halloween celebrations in downtown Orlando. Around 1:07 a.m., amidst a crowd of thousands, a gunman opened fire near Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, killing 25-year-old Tyrek Hill. Minutes later, the shooter moved to the area of Orange Avenue and Washington Street and fired again into another crowd. Timothy was fatally shot in the chest during this second burst of gunfire, which also wounded seven other people. He was rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police at the scene quickly apprehended the suspected shooter, who was identified as 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar. He was found with a 9 mm handgun. Investigators determined that Edgar was responsible for both shootings. Due to the severity of the crimes, prosecutors chose to charge him as an adult.
Edgar was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Timothy Schmidt Jr. and Tyrek Hill, and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder for the other victims. He pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal, taking the case to trial. During the proceedings, survivors testified about the chaos of the night and the lasting impact of their injuries.
In August 2026, the case went before a jury. On August 24, 2026, Jaylen Edgar was found guilty on all nine counts. Timothy’s father expressed relief with the verdict but noted that nothing could bring his son back. As of the verdict, Edgar faced a maximum sentence of life in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for October 2026.
