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Tyrek Hill's mom remembers son killed in Orlando Halloween shooting: 'a gentle giant'

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Published  November 7, 2024 1:53pm EST
Orange County
FOX 35 Orlando

Mom grieves son killed in Halloween mass shooting

A mother is in anguish days after learning her son was one of two men fatally shot in a mass shooting on Halloween night in downtown Orlando. A vigil was held Wednesday night in Clermont for 25-year-old Tyrek Hill, where family and friends gathered around Teresa Hill, offering support in her time of sorrow.

CLERMONT, Fla. - The mother of Tyrek Hill, one of two men shot and killed in a shooting in downtown Orlando during Halloween celebrations, remembered her as a loving, kind, "gentle giant."

Friends and family gathered Wednesday night at a vigil in Clermont, where Hill was from, to remember the 25-year-old, and support one another.

"He was a gentle giant; he was loving and kind, a different breed," Teresa Hill, Tyrek's mother, said. "What you saw is what you get."

She said while her heart hurts, the memories of her son, and those of friends and family are helping her through her grief.

"I’m getting through it by memories. Everyone is sharing everything about the character of my son," she said.

Tyrek Hill worked at a local towing company. His boss remembered him as a dedicated and hard-working employee who sought to eventually get his commercial driver's license (CDL). 

One by one, people embraced Teresa at the vigil, helping her face every parent’s worst nightmare.

"I have so many questions, but with God on my side, I don’t worry about it," she said.

Hill recalled the call that changed her life forever. "When I first got the news, I said, ‘I understand my son has been shot,’ but I asked, ‘Is he alive?’ and they couldn’t answer. I will never forget that phone call."

Video shows police tackle downtown Orlando shooting suspect

A 17-year-old boy suspected of opening fire on crowds celebrating Halloween in downtown Orlando was tackled by police, surveillance video shows. Police said the suspected shooter fired twice in a matter of minutes. Eight people were shot in total, police said. Two died and six others were taken to hospitals for treatment. A seventh person was hurt after being trampled in the crush.

The first reports of gunfire were at 1:07 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 in downtown Orlando, where an estimated 75,000 people were celebrating Halloween at various bars and clubs. Moments later, there was a second report of gunfire.

Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, 17, was quickly tackled and taken to the ground by police. He has been charged as an adult with second-degree murder in the deaths of the two men, said State Attorney Andrew Bain. He plans to ask a grand jury for an indictment of first-degree murder.

Press conference: State Attorney Andrew Bain announced shooting suspect to be charged as an adult

Full conference: Orlando mass shooting suspect to be charged as adult

Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain held a news conference and announced that the downtown Orlando mass shooting suspect, 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, will be charged as an adult.

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