ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A wave of grief has swept through the Orange County community after 16-year-old Pinien Dalmacy was tragically shot and killed following what began as a minor disagreement in a high school hallway. Authorities say the heartbreaking incident unfolded after a brief altercation between Pinien and another student, turning what should have been a typical school day into a moment of devastating loss.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the dispute started inside Oak Ridge High School, when Pinien accidentally bumped into a fellow student, 15-year-old Jacori Redding, and did not apologize. What began as a simple misunderstanding quickly escalated, with tensions rising between the two teens. Sheriff John Mina explained that after school hours, the boys agreed to meet at a nearby basketball court to “settle” the disagreement — a meeting that ended in tragedy.
At the court, investigators say Redding pulled out a firearm and shot Pinien, killing him instantly. “I’m really angry that something as small as bumping into someone in the halls of a high school — something that we have all done — has now turned into a deadly shooting of a 16-year-old,” Sheriff Mina said during a news conference. His words echoed the frustration and heartbreak felt by the entire community.
Following the shooting, Redding reportedly returned to Oak Ridge High School still carrying the gun. Deputies quickly located and took him into custody without incident. He is currently being held in juvenile detention and faces a murder charge. Authorities also revealed that Redding had a prior record involving a grand theft auto case, and investigators are now working to determine how the teen obtained the weapon used in the killing.
School district officials shared that Pinien had joined Orange County Public Schools just last year. Friends and classmates described him as a kind-hearted, respectful, and promising young man who always tried to bring positivity to those around him. His sudden death has left students and teachers in shock, and grief counselors are being made available to support those affected by the loss.
The Oak Ridge High School community is now mourning a young life taken far too soon. As vigils and tributes begin to appear near the school, residents are calling for stronger efforts to prevent youth violence and promote understanding among students. This tragedy stands as a painful reminder of how quickly anger can turn to irreversible loss — and how urgently compassion and communication must replace conflict.
