Timothy Simpkins found guilty of attempted capital murder for Timberview HS shooting
FORT WORTH, Texas - The young man who injured two students and a teacher in the 2021 shooting at Timberview High School has been convicted of attempted capital murder.
Jurors deliberated nearly all day Thursday before coming to a decision just before 6 p.m.
Timothy Simpkins’ family and attorneys immediately promoted the narrative that he was bullied at school and said they would present evidence of that at trial, but evidence of bullying was never presented in court. The jury was not swayed by the defense attorneys' claims of self-defense.
After the verdict was read, emotion was seen on both sides.
Simpkins lowered his head as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
The man's mother was emotional behind him, eventually leaving the courtroom in tears.
"This is not right. This is not right," she said.
Day four of the trial was dedicated to jury deliberations, which lasted nearly nine hours. The jury heard closing arguments first thing Thursday morning.
The state showed jurors the 45-caliber handgun Simpkins used to shoot and injure three people back on Oct. 6, 2021, including two students and a teacher.
Timothy Simpkins in court July 17, 2023
Prosecutors say one of the three victims, Zac Selby, started a fight that morning in class. After Selby and Simpkins were separated, Simpkins grabbed a gun he brought to school and opened fire.
Surveillance video played in court then shows Simpkins following Selby out of the classroom and into the hallway, firing more rounds.
Prosecutor Rose Anna Salinas emphasized evidence presented this week in court showed Simpkins as a cold-blooded killer.
"Every time he discharged that weapon, it was an intentional act. Every single time," she said.
The defense claimed Selby, who was 15 at the time, was the aggressor and caused the then 18-year-old Simpkins to fear for his life.
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19-year-old Timothy Simpkins is facing three counts of attempted murder and other charges in connection to the shooting on Oct. 6, 2021.
The judge previously ruled the jury couldn’t consider the shooting was justified by self-defense when deliberating.
The defense attorney incorrectly referred to Simpkins as being 17 at the time.
"But what is a 17-year-old boy supposed to do when somebody comes in and brutally beats him?" defense attorney Lesa Pamplin asked the jury.
But the jury didn’t buy the defense's argument, convicting Simpkins of attempted capital murder.
As Simpkins was taken away, the prosecution was seen smiling and hugging audience members, including two teachers who testified.
Teacher Calvin Petit, who Simpkins shot in the back, offered a smile as a he embraced his family.
Meanwhile, outside of the courtroom, Simpkins’ defense attorney was holding members of Simpkins’ family, who were visibly upset.
Neither the defense nor the state made any statements after the verdict on Thursday.
The sentencing phase of the trial will start first thing Friday morning. The jury will hear additional evidence.
The maximum sentence is life in prison.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Timberview High School shooting leaves four injured; suspect arrested
- Contradicting police, attorneys for alleged Timberview High School shooter double down on bullying claims
- Police chief: Bullying played no role in Timberview High School shooting
- 15-year-old shot at Timberview High School released from hospital
- Timberview High School adds metal detector wands following shooting
- Timberview High School shooting suspect arrested again
- Timberview HS shooting trial: Witnesses describe 'chaos' in school on first day of testimony
- Timberview HS Shooting Trial: State rests, new video shown in court
- Timberview HS Shooting Trial: Defense rests, closing arguments delayed until Thursday
FOX 4 will stream the verdict live on FOX4News.com and the FOX 4 YouTube Channel.