Crime
Trinity Shockley identified as a transgender male, influenced by parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz
Mooresville, IN – Authorities have released alarming details regarding an 18-year-old Indiana teenager accused of plotting a Valentine’s Day mass shooting at Mooresville High School.
Court documents reveal the suspect, Trinity Shockley, allegedly idolized Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz, harbored homicidal intentions, and had been planning the attack for at least a year.
According to a police affidavit, Shockley—who identifies as a transgender male and goes by the name Dex—expressed a desire to kill others and was fixated on Cruz, even carrying a heart-shaped locket with his photo.
The Mooresville Metropolitan Police Department received a tip from the FBI on February 11, 2025, regarding an individual allegedly planning a school shooting.
Investigators identified Shockley as a suspect and executed a search warrant at their residence in collaboration with Mooresville School Police and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities took Shockley into custody, and on February 13, prosecutors charged them with:
- Conspiracy to Commit Murder
- Two Counts of Intimidation with a Threat to Commit Terrorism
The FBI’s tipster reportedly informed police that Shockley had access to an AR-15 rifle and had recently purchased a bulletproof vest.
Shockley allegedly told the tipster that they intended to kill their best friend first before carrying out a broader attack.
During a police interview, Shockley allegedly admitted to being “emotionally attached” to Cruz and wanted to prove themselves as his “number one fan.”
Authorities say Shockley believed that people “should value their everyday life” because “you never know when you could die.”
Despite making extensive plans, Shockley allegedly hesitated when envisioning their own arrest and courtroom trial, stating that seeing police officers made them realize they “did not want this”.
During the search of Shockley’s bedroom, investigators discovered a collage of mass shooters, including:
- Nikolas Cruz (2018 Parkland school shooter)
- Dylann Roof (2015 Charleston church shooter)
- Randy Stair (2017 Pennsylvania supermarket shooter)
In addition, Shockley’s backpack contained three notebooks with disturbing imagery and messages, including swastikas, violent phrases such as “Kill,” “Bang,” and “I hate you all, DIE DIE DIE”.
The affidavit states that Shockley repeatedly sought mental health treatment through the school, but their father refused to allow access to professional help.
A school counselor, Miss Roscoe, reportedly told investigators that Shockley’s father “did not believe in mental health treatment” and dismissed concerns about his child’s psychological state.
The document also indicates that Shockley was grieving the loss of their mother and struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic accident, in which a drunk driver hit their vehicle and later died by suicide.
Both local and federal authorities continue to investigate the case. Shockley remains in police custody, and no additional information has been released regarding potential further charges.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.