The Arlington Police Department has revealed that it is investigating bullying claims made by the family of Timothy Simpkins, 18.
As reported by the Dallas Express, Simpkins is accused of allegedly shooting and injuring four people, including 15-year-old Zacchaeus Selby, at Timberview high school. Simpkins and Selby had been in a fight in the classroom when Simpkins pulled out a gun and opened fire.
Simpkins was arrested and later released on a $75,000 bond. The 18-year-old has been charged with three accounts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. However, Simpkins’ family claimed his action was motivated by the constant bullying he has had to endure from Selby and other students in the school. His family claimed other students were jealous of his expensive lifestyle and that he had been robbed on two separate occasions.
Simpkins’ family said they complained to Timberview High School authorities about the bullying, but nothing was done about it.
The Arlington PD said they are now investigating the bullying claims made by Simpkins’ family.
Arlington PD’s assistant Police Chief Kevin Kolbye said charges could be filed against others if police discover additional criminal acts. Kolbye added that even if Simpkins had been a victim of bullying, it still does not justify his actions.
Selby’s family denied he bullied Simpkins. In a GoFundMe that was started for Selby, his family described him as a great brother, boyfriend, and coworker who “does not have a bone in his body to bully anyone.”
The family spoke to reporters on Friday and said they wanted people to know Selby is “not the monster people are making him out to be on social media.”
Selby’s grandmother, Kathy Selby, said Simpkins’s family is trying to make the 18-year-old the victim when her grandson, Selby, was the actual victim. Kathy added that she had never seen Selby fight with anyone.
Both families, however, agreed that Simpkins and Selby had been feuding for weeks, and the school knew about it.
