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
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.