An 18-year-old has pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with a mass shooting that occurred in North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including his older brother and a police officer. The incident, carried out by Austin David Thompson, took place on October 13, 2022, in Raleigh’s Hedingham community.
Details of the Shooting Incident
Thompson was just 15 years old when he committed these acts. Initially set to go on trial soon, he changed his plea to guilty on January 21, 2026. This plea was made to avoid further trauma to the victims and the community as indicated by his legal team.
Charges and Plea
During the court proceedings, Thompson accepted responsibility for:
- Five counts of first-degree murder
- Two counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon
- One count of assault of an officer with a firearm
Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway will hold a sentencing hearing on February 2, 2026. The hearing could extend over several days as it examines the evidence presented.
Context and Consequences
Due to Thompson’s age at the time of the crime, he is ineligible for the death penalty. However, he faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole. Alternatively, the judge may decide to allow for parole eligibility after a minimum of 25 years, as recent legal rulings cap the time young offenders must serve before applying for parole.
Descriptions of the Crimes
On the day of the shooting, Thompson first attacked his brother, James, before moving onto neighbors in the area. Victims included:
- Nicole Connors, aged 52
- Off-duty officer Gabriel Torres, aged 29
- Mary Marshall, aged 34
- Susan Karnatz, aged 49
Law enforcement apprehended Thompson after a standoff, during which he wounded another officer. A prior injury, alleged to be self-inflicted, has complicated Thompson’s situation, leading to a significant brain injury that his attorneys claim affects his ability to articulate his motives.
Community Reaction and Legal Aftermath
Robert Steele, partner of one of the victims, expressed the community’s call for justice, stating that life imprisonment without parole for Thompson is the appropriate sentence. In a related incident, Thompson’s father previously pleaded guilty to improperly storing a firearm found in their home after the shooting.
During the investigation, authorities recovered a total of 11 firearms and 160 boxes of ammunition from the Thompson household. The community continues to seek closure as the legal proceedings move forward.
