ORLANDO, Fla. (FN) — A 15-year-old Florida high school student is facing adult charges after authorities say he fatally shot a classmate following a hallway altercation that began with a bump and a refusal to apologize.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Jacori Redding, a sophomore at Apopka High School, shot 16-year-old Pinien Dalmacy twice at a nearby basketball court Tuesday afternoon. The two teens had reportedly agreed to meet there after school to settle their dispute.
Sheriff John Mina said the conflict began earlier in the day when the boys bumped into each other in a school hallway. When Dalmacy refused to apologize, tensions escalated, eventually leading to the deadly confrontation.
“This was a senseless act of violence over something incredibly minor,” Mina said during a press conference. “A bump in the hallway should never end in gunfire.”
Authorities said Redding brought a gun to the fight and shot Dalmacy before returning to school with the weapon in his backpack. The shooting was captured on video, which investigators are using as evidence in the case.
The video footage has not been publicly released, and officials have not indicated whether it will be made available. It remains part of the ongoing investigation.
Redding was arrested and charged with manslaughter and possession of a firearm on school property. He appeared in court Wednesday and was ordered held without bond. Prosecutors confirmed he will be tried as an adult.
Orange County Public Schools released a statement expressing condolences to Dalmacy’s family and said grief counselors would be available for students and staff. “We are heartbroken by this tragedy,” the district said. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and the entire school community.”
A vigil was held Wednesday evening near the basketball court where the shooting occurred. Dozens of students, parents, and community members gathered to light candles and share memories of Dalmacy, who was described as kind and full of potential.
“He was a good kid with a bright future,” said Marlene Joseph, a family friend. “We’re devastated. This should never have happened.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video footage to come forward.
