The teenage student who fired gunshots in an Arlington, Texas, school on Wednesday hosted a party at home with his family after being freed on a $75,000 bond. Meanwhile, the teenage shooter’s victims, a 25-year-old teacher and a 15-year-old boy, are still in the hospital, with one of them clinging to life.
The teenage gunman, Timothy George Simpkins, was being held in Tarrant County Jail on a $75,000 bond on three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. However, the 18-year-old walked free on Thursday afternoon after a bondsman met the bail terms by posting at least some of the total amount.
On Wednesday, Simpkins pulled a gun from his backpack and fired at least eight shots at a 15-year-old boy, shot one of the Timberview High School’s teachers, Calvin Pettitt, in the back, grazed a teenage girl before fleeing the scene. Simpkins got angry and pulled the gun after being repeatedly punched during a fight with the 15-year-old boy.
Simpkins kept quiet on Thursday as he walked free out of jail in a blue t-shirt, matching baseball cap worn backward, and jeans. It’s unclear why he hasn’t been charged with attempted murder or more severe charges instead of aggravated assault. Moreover, It’s also unclear why the judge granted him bail.
Soon after his release, one of Simpkins’s relatives shared videos on social media boasting that the 18-year-old shooter was already home. One of the footage showed Simpkins holding a baby, standing in his kitchen, chatting to relatives. Meanwhile, one of his victims, teacher Calvin Pettitt, is in critical condition in hospital, with a bullet in his shoulder that narrowly missed his aorta. Pettitt was shot while trying to break up the fight between the two students.
The unidentified 15-year-old boy is also still in the hospital in critical condition. Teacher Pettitt’s horrified sister took to Twitter and asked, ‘How can this keep managing to get worse?’ after learning the shooter had been released.
Simpkins’ next court date has not yet been scheduled, and no case has been filed against him by the Tarrant County District’s Attorney.
On Wednesday night, Simpkins’ family defended their son, claiming he is an adorable boy who snapped after being bullied. The family said Simpkins’ classmates envied him because he has a nice car that worth $35,000 and wears nice clothes.
