MOORESVILLE, Ind. — Authorities thwarted a potential Valentine’s Day school shooting after receiving an anonymous tip about a student’s plans to attack Mooresville High School. The tip was submitted through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, a program created by Sandy Hook Promise following the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Trinity Shockley, 18, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and two terrorism-related charges after allegedly plotting the attack. Police say the plans were inspired by her obsession with the perpetrator of the February 14, 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida — a tragedy that claimed the lives of 17 people. Investigators revealed that Shockley had referred to her plans as “Parkland part two” in social media messages.
Tip Leads to Arrest
The investigation began on February 11 when someone contacted the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, stating that a friend had access to an AR-15 rifle, had recently purchased a bulletproof vest, and admired past mass shooters, particularly the Parkland shooter. The system, run by the Sandy Hook Promise organization, forwarded the screenshots and information to the FBI as part of their protocol.
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The screenshots reportedly showed messages from Shockley via the Discord messaging app, where she used the alias “Jamie” to discuss the details of her plan. She allegedly shared photos of an AR-15 rifle, magazines, and a bulletproof vest, as well as images of her bedroom containing posters and photographs of the Parkland shooter, as well as photos of other infamous mass shooters.
The suspect’s social media messages included statements such as:
- “I’ve been planning this for a YEAR.”
- “I’m buying a bulletproof vest.”
- “4 more days,” posted on February 10.
Authorities traced the messages back to Shockley’s location in Mooresville.
Police Search Uncovers Evidence
On February 11, police searched Shockley’s home, where they discovered an AR-15 rifle, a soft armor vest, and three notebooks filled with disturbing writings. These writings reportedly expressed admiration for various school shooters, a desire to harm others, and messages such as “I love you [the Parkland shooter]” and “Becoming the worst version of myself hurts but this needs to be done.”
Related Article: Reading Between the Lines: Recognizing Insider References to School Shooters
Additionally, Shockley’s bedroom featured a collage of mass shooters and a poster from a movie depicting a school shooting.
Earlier in the week, before her arrest, Shockley spoke with school staff. Campus administrators stated that after the meeting a proactive response plan was being developed to address the situation, but by then, police had already intervened.
Father Refused to Allow Shockley to Receive Mental Health Treatment
During interviews with police, Shockley cited a history of bullying and emotional struggles after a car accident in 2022 left her with brain injuries. Shockley, who was struck by a suspected drunk driver, expressed guilt over the driver’s subsequent suicide, telling police she felt it was “her fault.”
Court records and school officials revealed that Shockley had sought mental health assistance since her freshman year, but her father reportedly refused to allow her to pursue treatment, not believing in the value of mental health care. After turning 18, Shockley signed herself up for assistance.
Despite her claims that the threats were made out of anger and weren’t meant to be taken seriously, Shockley now faces serious charges. A pretrial conference is scheduled for May 19, with a jury trial set for June.
Local authorities and educators stressed the importance of programs like the Say Something Reporting System in potentially saving lives.
“This case highlights the crucial role the community played in preventing a tragedy,” one official stated.
