A young mother, Kaitlynn Lee, was tragically killed in a New Albany, Indiana residence on August 10, 2024. Lee, 25, was recording a TikTok video when she was fatally shot. Her former boyfriend, Joshua Thompson, also 25, has been charged with her murder.
The incident took place around 5 a.m. at the Village Drive residence of a friend. As per police reports, Lee was making a TikTok video in the kitchen with her friend when Thompson suddenly appeared at the window. Eyewitnesses heard Thompson banging on the window, after which Lee asked, “What are you doing here?” Thompson responded by firing two to three shots, hitting Lee in the head. The horrific scene was caught on the TikTok video, showing Lee falling out of sight as smoke filled the room.
Lee had a no-contact order in place against Thompson due to a previous domestic violence incident in April 2024. According to Lee’s aunt, she had been moving from place to place to get away from Thompson and had been staying with a friend at the time of the shooting. Despite this, Thompson managed to find her and commit the deadly act. Witnesses attested that the relationship between Lee and Thompson had been problematic, with Lee expressing fear for her life. Lee had even told a friend that if she were to be found dead, it would likely be due to Thompson.
Thompson, who is the father of Lee’s one-year-old son, admitted to the shooting during his arrest. After the incident, he made a distressed call to his brother confessing his crime. He subsequently dialed 911 and surrendered himself to the police. Thompson faces charges of murder, invasion of privacy, criminal recklessness, and illegal possession of a handgun. He is currently detained without bond, awaiting trial on March 24.
The death of Lee, a mother of three, has left her family deeply affected by her untimely death. According to her cousin, Lee’s children were her world, and she would have done anything for them. To help with funeral costs and to support her children, the same cousin started a GoFundMe campaign, which has already surpassed $11,000.
This case has been highlighted by domestic violence organizations to stress the need for resources for those trapped in abusive relationships. The Center for Women and Families provides 24/7 anonymous hotlines and emergency shelters for individuals in need.
