A 25-year-old man from Indiana, Joshua Thompson, is expected to plead guilty to murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend, Kaitlynn Lee, who was tragically killed while filming a TikTok video in the kitchen of an apartment.
Thompson is also facing additional charges of criminal recklessness, unlawfully carrying a firearm, and invasion of privacy for violating a protective order meant to prevent harassment and domestic violence.
The Fatal Incident
The tragic incident occurred on August 10, 2024, at around 5 a.m., when Thompson allegedly broke a protective order that was in place following an earlier incident in April 2024.
Lee was staying at a friend’s apartment on Village Drive in New Albany, Indiana, when Thompson appeared outside the window. At the time, Lee and her friend were filming a TikTok video, laughing, dancing, and lip-syncing to a song.
Witnesses said that Lee saw Thompson and asked, “What are you doing here?” before Thompson allegedly opened fire, striking Lee in the head. The incident was captured on the video, with the footage showing Lee’s head jerk violently after the blast, and the camera cutting off as smoke filled the room.
Thompson’s Confession and Motive
After the shooting, Thompson reportedly called 911 on himself and admitted to shooting Lee, stating that he had gone to the apartment to check if she was with other men.
In his confession, Thompson revealed a toxic relationship with Lee, mentioning that they were “always at odds.” According to court records, Thompson stated he was watching from outside the window to see who was inside the apartment with Lee. He allegedly saw her dancing and performing for the video before he opened fire.
Legal Proceedings
Initially, Thompson pleaded not guilty to the charges, but court documents indicate that he has since requested a change of plea hearing, which is scheduled for May 28, 2026. It is expected that Thompson will admit to the charges and accept responsibility for the murder of Lee.
Victim’s Family and Impact
Lee, a mother of three, was tragically taken from her family far too soon. An obituary described her as being survived by her three children, her mother, a brother, and extended family members. Her untimely death has left a profound impact on her loved ones and the community.
A Toxic Relationship Turns Tragic
This case highlights the devastating consequences of an abusive and toxic relationship, where jealousy and mistrust culminated in a violent and senseless act.
As Thompson prepares to face justice for his actions, the loss of Kaitlynn Lee serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of addressing unhealthy relationships before they escalate to tragedy.
