Washington State – In a chilling case that highlights the intersection of mental health and criminal intent, 19-year-old Trinity Morley was taken into custody after her parents discovered her allegedly sinister plan to kill her ex-boyfriend. The concerned parents, alarmed by their daughter’s behavior and writings, took swift action that led to her arrest on July 27, facing attempted murder charges.
The case has drawn attention not only due to the nature of the crime but also the circumstances surrounding Morley’s history of mental illness and the proactive role her family played to prevent what could have been a tragedy.
Parents’ Discovery and Intervention
Morley’s parents had growing concerns about their daughter’s mental state and intentions. According to court documents reviewed by Law&Crime, they discovered troubling indications that went beyond typical teenage angst:
- Morley had a documented history of mental illness and was regularly seeing a therapist.
- She had previously been hospitalized for self-harm, including a suicide attempt.
- They found out she had attempted to purchase a shotgun, which she lied to them about.
- Most shockingly, they uncovered a personal journal where Morley detailed a plan to kill her ex-boyfriend.
Her parents filed an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) on July 18 to restrict her access to firearms, which ultimately prevented her from obtaining the shotgun she tried to buy. This legal intervention was crucial in stopping her from immediately carrying out her plan.
The Sinister Plan Unveiled
On July 27, Morley left her home under the pretense of doing graffiti, but her parents suspected otherwise and searched her room. They found her journal containing a chilling entry:
“I have the gun now, three rounds of slug of buckshot. The shotgun is heavy. He told me that If I don’t hold it right, my arm will get blown off. I have 3 chances to get this right and I don’t want to resort to the knives.”
Additionally, Morley expressed remorse towards her current boyfriend, apologizing for lying and saying, “I’m so sorry to everyone about everything.”
Due to the ERPO and state laws requiring a “cool-down” period, Morley could not legally take possession of the shotgun she ordered. However, her current boyfriend lent her his shotgun for self-defense after she claimed to be receiving threatening texts.
The Arrest and Subsequent Charges
Morley’s parents feared she intended to kill her ex-boyfriend and then carry out “suicide by cop.” They traced her phone to her ex-boyfriend’s house, prompting police intervention. At the ex-boyfriend’s residence, the homeowner’s father called 911 to report a woman dressed in all black with a rifle standing in the backyard. Morley fled upon being seen and was later found at a nearby dock holding a shotgun to her chin, expressing suicidal intentions.
After a brief standoff, deputies took Morley into custody without incident, and she dropped her firearm and a knife. During booking, Morley admitted to planning to kill her ex-boyfriend and then herself.
Allegations and Court Proceedings
Morley claimed that her ex-boyfriend had sexually assaulted her, a report she made in May. However, prosecutors indicated that the charges were never filed after detectives considered the claims “unfounded.”
The arrest was described by deputies as handled with care, but prosecutors commented on Morley’s “eerie” behavior in the in-car video, noting that she was smiling, rolling her eyes, and even chuckling during processing, which further raised concerns about her mental state.
Morley reportedly told an officer, “Pretty good story,” and “You’re quite the writer,” during the arrest narrative writing.
She is currently held at King County Jail on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on October 2.
Wider Implications and Community Concerns
This case underscores complex issues surrounding mental health support, firearm access, and protective legal measures like ERPOs in preventing violence.
- It shows the critical role that families can play in identifying early warning signs and taking preventive action.
- Washington state’s gun purchase “cool-down” laws and ERPOs functioned as intended to delay firearm access.
- The intersection between alleged abuse claims and criminal proceedings adds layers of complexity to the case.
What’s Next in This Case?
As Morley awaits her court date, the legal system will determine the outcome of the charges while raising important questions about how to best support young individuals struggling with mental health challenges and prevent similar tragedies.
Key takeaways:
- Parental vigilance and intervention were pivotal in this case.
- Mental health treatment continues to be a crucial component for individuals at risk.
- Gun laws and protection orders can provide critical safeguards.
What do you think about the role of ERPOs and parental intervention in preventing such violent incidents? Have you experienced or witnessed similar situations where mental health and legal measures intersect? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
