Update at 6:10pm:
The Jury in the Timothy Simpkins attempted capital murder trial have found the 19-year-old guilty. Jurors returned the verdict Thursday evening around 6:00pm after deliberating for half a day. Closing arguments were Thursday morning in the case.
Simpkins was accused of opening fire inside Timberview High School in 2021 wounding three people. Video in court showed Simpkins opening fire after a fight.
Original Story:
Fort Worth (WBAP/KLIF) – Jurors have begun deliberations in the attempted capital murder trial of 19-year old Timothy Simpkins who is accused in the 2021 shooting at Timberview High School that left three people wounded.
Simpkins began shooting on the morning of October 6, after teachers broke up a vicious fight initiated by another student. The defense argued that Simpkins had been bullied and was acting in self defense.
During closing arguments, defense Attorney Marquetta Clayton told the jury that the case was not about whether or not Simpkins should have brought a gun to school. “If so that would have been the charge and it’s not.” She added that the case was not about someone going around and randomly shooting, “The bottom line is the State has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Timothy Simpkins intended to cause the death of Zacchaeus Selby.
For their part, a prosecutor in the case, held the gun used in the shooting to tell the juror that Simpkins walked into school and past numerous people with a gun in his waistband.
Trial Judge Tyan Hill on Wednesday ruled that the jury would not be permitted to consider self- defense. During Hill’s final instructions to the jury he did not make mention self-defense.
Simpkins faces 5-years to life in prison if convicted.
(Copyright 2023 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News.)