MOORESVILLE, Ind. — An 18-year-old woman accused of planning a mass shooting at Mooresville High School has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors. Trinity Shockley will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder, a Level 2 felony.
This agreement comes after her arrest earlier this year on charges related to a thwarted plan to attack the school on Valentine’s Day, reports WTHR.
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The plea deal stipulates a 20-year sentence, with a maximum of 12.5 years to be served in prison and the remaining time suspended, followed by five years of probation. As part of the agreement, Shockley must continue mental health treatment, adhere to prescribed medications, refrain from entering Morgan County school properties, and avoid researching school shootings online. Additionally, she is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Shockley’s sentencing is scheduled for November 24.
Anonymous Tip Prevented Mooresville High School Tragedy
The charges against Shockley arose after police received an anonymous tip through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, a program developed by Sandy Hook Promise following the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
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The tip detailed Shockley’s plans to attack Mooresville High School, inspired by her obsession with the perpetrator of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, reports the IndyStar.
Upon investigating, police discovered an AR-15 rifle, a soft armor vest, and three notebooks filled with disturbing writings in Shockley’s home. These writings included expressions of admiration for school shooters, a desire to harm others, and references to her plan as “Parkland part two.” Investigators also found a collage of mass shooters and a poster from a movie depicting a school shooting in her bedroom.
In the week leading up to her arrest, Shockley had spoken with school staff. Although campus administrators were developing a proactive response plan, authorities had already intervened by then.
Father Refused to Get Shockley Mental Health Treatment
During police interviews, Shockley cited a history of bullying and emotional struggles, particularly following a 2022 car accident that left her with brain injuries. The accident, involving a suspected drunk driver, resulted in the driver’s suicide, which Shockley reportedly felt guilty about, expressing to police that she believed it was “her fault.”
Court records and school officials indicate that Shockley had sought mental health assistance since her freshman year. However, her father reportedly refused to support her pursuit of treatment, dismissing the value of mental health care. After turning 18, Shockley independently sought assistance.
