Man accepts plea deal for 2024 Compass Academy shooting

Taylor Alan Aughenbaugh pleaded guilty to aggravated battery and a deadly weapon enhancement in exchange for other charges being dropped.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 20-year-old man named Taylor Alan Aughenbaugh has signed a plea deal for his role in a fatal shooting at the Compass Academy parking lot in Idaho Falls in 2024. Aughenbaugh initially faced several felony charges, including aggravated battery and destruction of evidence, but has now agreed to plead guilty to one count of aggravated battery and one felony enhancement for use of a deadly weapon. In exchange, the prosecution has agreed to drop the remaining charges.

Why it matters

The Compass Academy shooting was a high-profile incident that raised concerns about gun violence and public safety in the local community. This plea deal represents an effort by prosecutors to secure a conviction while avoiding a lengthy trial process.

The details

According to court documents, the shooting occurred on February 12, 2024 after an "ongoing argument" between Aughenbaugh and another man, Gabriel Perkins, over a stolen wallet. A fight broke out in the Compass Academy parking lot, and video evidence shows Aughenbaugh pulling out a gun and shooting at least two people, including one victim in the upper back and another man in the leg. Perkins also allegedly shot and killed another man, Alexander Barber, during the incident.

  • The shooting occurred on February 12, 2024 around 1 a.m. in the Compass Academy parking lot.
  • Aughenbaugh signed the plea deal on Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Taylor Alan Aughenbaugh

A 20-year-old man who was initially charged with multiple felonies related to the Compass Academy shooting, but has now accepted a plea deal.

Gabriel Perkins

A 21-year-old man who was involved in the ongoing argument with Aughenbaugh that led to the shooting, and who allegedly shot and killed another man during the incident.

Aaron Murdoch

A 22-year-old man who was shot in the leg during the Compass Academy shooting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Murdoch is currently scheduled for a jury trial on April 13 in relation to the Compass Academy shooting.

The takeaway

This plea deal represents an effort by prosecutors to secure a conviction in the high-profile Compass Academy shooting case, though concerns remain about gun violence and public safety in the local community.