Timberview HS shooting trial: Convicted school shooter testifies in punishment phase

Timberview HS shooter begs for a lenient punishment

The man convicted of attempted murder after shooting three people inside a North Texas high school in 2021 took the stand Monday in his own defense. He emotionally asked jurors for a lenient sentence.

FORT WORTH, Texas - The man convicted in the 2021 shooting at Timberview High School in Arlington begged the jury for leniency in the sentencing phase of his trial.

Timothy Simpkins took the witness stand Monday morning to testify in his own defense.

"I understand what I did was wrong, very, very wrong and I’m sorry. I truly am sorry," he cried. I just ask for another chance – probation, max probation."

Last week, the Tarrant County jury convicted Simpkins of three counts of attempted capital murder for the school shooting that injured three people.

During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence to show he has a history of violence.

TRIAL COVERAGE:

In September of 2021, he met someone at an Arlington gas station and let them into his car. He was then robbed and pistol-whipped by that person.

The state played video in court last week that showed Simpkins shooting at the escaping car at least eight times.

Testimony continues in shooting trial punishment phase

A Tarrant County jury may hear from a convicted school shooter before deciding his punishment. FOX 4's Dan Godwin is in Fort Worth with the latest on the school shooting trial.

Prosecutors also showed several text messages Simpkins sent to another person about that shooting.

Both sides rested after Simpkins’ testimony.

Prosecutors are pushing for a maximum life sentence, while lawyers for Simpkins are asking for a more lenient sentence.

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FOX 4 will stream the sentencing phase of the trial on FOX4News.com and the FOX 4 YouTube Channel.