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
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.