Tallahassee Judge to Continue Presiding Over FSU Shooter's Murder Trial

Chief Justice Muñiz rules that Judge Neff will remain on the high-profile case despite his upcoming appellate court appointment.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigative nature of the crime.The harsh flash photography of a single piece of physical evidence from the FSU shooting case underscores the investigative gravity of the high-profile trial.Tallahassee Today

Tallahassee Circuit Judge Lance Neff will continue to preside over the murder trial of the accused Florida State University shooter, Phoenix Ikner, according to an order from Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz of the Florida Supreme Court. This decision comes after a request from Chief Judge Francis Allman of the Second Judicial Circuit to temporarily assign Judge Neff to the case, citing the need for consistency in rulings and timely administration of justice.

Why it matters

The FSU shooting was a tragic and high-profile incident that shook the Tallahassee community. Maintaining judicial continuity in this case is crucial for ensuring a fair trial and upholding public trust in the legal system, especially as the accused shooter faces the possibility of the death penalty.

The details

Ikner's trial is scheduled to begin on October 19 and is expected to last three weeks. He is accused of opening fire on the FSU campus last April, killing two people and injuring several others. The state is seeking the death penalty against him. Judge Neff was originally slated to be appointed to the First District Court of Appeal, but Chief Judge Allman requested that he remain on the case to maintain consistency in rulings and minimize potential delays.

  • On March 24, Chief Judge Francis Allman of Florida's Second Judicial Circuit requested Chief Justice Muñiz to temporarily assign Judge Neff to preside over the case.
  • On April 7, Chief Justice Muñiz issued an order allowing Judge Neff to continue presiding over the trial.
  • Ikner's trial is scheduled to begin on October 19 and is expected to last three weeks.

The players

Judge Lance Neff

The Tallahassee circuit judge who will continue to preside over the murder trial of the accused Florida State University shooter, Phoenix Ikner.

Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz

The Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court who issued the order allowing Judge Neff to continue presiding over the high-profile case.

Chief Judge Francis Allman

The Chief Judge of Florida's Second Judicial Circuit who requested that Judge Neff remain on the case to maintain consistency in rulings and minimize potential delays.

Phoenix Ikner

The accused shooter who is facing trial for the deadly attack on the Florida State University campus last April.

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What they’re saying

“Judge Neff has expressed his willingness to remain on the case through its conclusion. Reassignment at this stage may result in unnecessary delays or cause potential disruption to any proceedings currently scheduled.”

— Chief Judge Francis Allman, Chief Judge of Florida's Second Judicial Circuit

What’s next

Ikner's trial is scheduled to begin on October 19 and is expected to last three weeks. The state is seeking the death penalty against him.

The takeaway

This decision to keep Judge Neff on the high-profile FSU shooting case demonstrates the importance of judicial continuity and the timely administration of justice, especially in cases with potentially severe consequences like the death penalty. It also highlights the collaborative efforts between the state's judicial leadership to ensure a fair and efficient trial process.