An 18-year-old Indiana teenager, Trinity Shockley, has been arrested and charged with planning a mass shooting at Mooresville High School on Valentine’s Day, according to authorities and multiple news reports. Shockley, who identifies as a transgender male and goes by the name Jamie, faces charges including conspiracy to commit murder and intimidation: threat to commit terrorism, as per Morgan County court records. It remains unclear whether Shockley has entered a plea or secured legal representation.
The FBI’s Sandy Hook tip line alerted the Mooresville Police Department to Shockley’s alleged plans, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC News, ABC News, and CBS affiliate WLKY. The tipster, reportedly a friend of Shockley, claimed that the suspect had access to an AR-15 rifle and had recently purchased a bulletproof vest. Shockley, a 12th-grade student at the school located about 19 miles southwest of Indianapolis, allegedly expressed admiration for Nikolas Cruz, the perpetrator of the 2018 Parkland school shooting that killed 17 people. Cruz is currently serving a life sentence without parole.
Authorities also uncovered Snapchat messages sent by Shockley under the name “Jamie,” which referenced “Parkland part two” and included the statement, “I’ve been planning this for a YEAR,” according to the affidavit. On February 12, police executed a search warrant at Shockley’s home and reportedly found disturbing evidence, including pictures of Cruz and other mass shooters, a notebook with violent illustrations, and phrases such as “kill,” “bang,” and “DIE DIE DIE.”
During questioning, Shockley allegedly told police that the plans were a “joke” and claimed to be a victim of bullying. Shockley also expressed a desire for mental health treatment, which they said was denied, according to NBC News. The Mooresville School District confirmed Shockley’s arrest in a statement to ABC News, adding that the student “will not return to the school.” The case has reignited concerns about school safety and the need for effective mental health interventions to prevent such threats.
