The biological mother of the Florida State University mass shooting suspect kidnapped him when he was 11 years old and took him to Norway amid a nasty custody battle.
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According to affidavits and court documents, per The New York Post, Anne-Mari Eriksen, mother of Phoenix Ikner who allegedly shot up FSU on Thursday, kidnapped the suspect ten years ago and took him to a foreign country.
On March 15, Anne-Marie told Phoenix's dad, Christopher Ikner, that she was taking the 11-year-old to South Florida for spring break. Instead of taking him on that trip, she flew them to Norway, in violation of the custody agreement.
Both Phoenix (who at the time went by Christopher Gunnar Eriksen) and Anne-Marie had American and Norwegian passports, making the kidnapping an easier process. The personal details of the custody battle are unclear, although it's clear Anne-Marie wanted custody and the dad out of the picture.
It's likely that she wished to start a new life in Norway with her son. But Christopher naturally had a problem with this sudden kidnapping.
Apparently, Christopher learned about them fleeing the country as Phoenix told him what they were doing on a phone call.
FSU Shooter's Dad Concerned For His Mental Health When Kidnapped To Norway
Christopher became very worried about the welfare of his son. He said his son "has developmental delays and special needs," and was concerned that only his regular doctors could provide the treatment Phoenix needed.
The affidavit explained that Phoenix was "on medication for several health and mental issues, to include a growth hormone disorder and ADHD."
Anne-Marie said that she would return with Phoenix on March 27, but she never showed up. She would eventually return to the US, five months later. When she touched down at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on July 27, officers arrested her.
She pleaded no contest.
Anne-Marie later tried to sue Christopher, claiming that the "false claims" toward Phoenix's mother would damage the child. Ironically, the "emotional and psychological harm done to the minor child" that would "be evident for years" wouldn't have arisen from Christopher's actions against Anne-Marie as she feared, but from her actions themselves.
Phoenix changed his name in 2020, and on Thursday, allegedly opened fire in FSU. He allegedly killed two and injured five.
There is nary an excuse for such an act. But then you read stories like this, and wonder how much of a person's actions can be attributed to how they were treated growing up.
