North Carolina Teenager to Plead Guilty in 2022 Mass Shooting Case
An 18-year-old man plans to plead guilty to all charges related to a mass shooting in North Carolina in 2022 that resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including his own older brother. Austin Thompson's attorneys filed a written notice in Wake County court on Tuesday, indicating their client's intention to enter a guilty plea, thereby avoiding a trial scheduled for February.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Authorities believe that on 13 October 2022, when Thompson was just 15 years old, he embarked on a killing rampage beginning in his Raleigh neighbourhood. The attack started with the fatal shooting of his 16-year-old brother, James Thompson, whose body was discovered in their family home. Prosecutors contend that Thompson not only shot but also stabbed his brother during the horrific incident.
Following this, police allege that Thompson proceeded to shoot multiple neighbours on the streets of the Hedingham community. Among the victims were off-duty Raleigh police officer Gabriel Torres, 29, and Nicole Connors, 52, both of whom lost their lives. Another neighbour sustained injuries but survived the attack.
The rampage continued as Thompson allegedly fatally shot two more individuals on the nearby Neuse River Greenway trail: Mary Marshall, 34, and Susan Karnatz, 49. Law enforcement located Thompson dressed in camouflage with multiple weapons strapped to his belt, hiding in a shed nearby. After an hours-long standoff that resulted in another police officer being wounded, Thompson was arrested.
Legal Proceedings and Defence Strategy
Thompson's legal proceedings have faced delays, partly due to his recovery from a gunshot wound that a prosecutor concluded was self-inflicted prior to his arrest. His attorneys have stated that this injury resulted in a significant brain injury, which has impacted his ability to explain his actions.
In their court filing, attorneys Kellie Mannette and Deonte' Thomas wrote that Thompson "has decided he wishes to save the community and the victims from as much additional infliction of trauma as possible" by pleading guilty. They added that while the brain injury prevents Thompson from explaining why he committed the shooting, he has always accepted responsibility for his actions.
Previously, Thompson's defence team had indicated plans to use "diminished capacity" and "voluntary intoxication ... of a prescribed medication" as part of their defence strategy. However, the guilty plea notice suggests a shift away from these arguments.
Charges and Potential Sentencing
Thompson has been charged as an adult with multiple serious offences, including:
- Five counts of murder
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon
- One count of assault of an officer with a gun
Due to his age at the time of the attack—15 years old—Thompson cannot receive the death penalty if convicted. The presiding judge will need to determine whether to sentence him to life in prison without parole or with the possibility of parole after serving at least 25 years.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date following any formal plea. Thompson's attorneys expressed hope that "the material presented at the sentencing hearing brings as much peace and closure as possible" for the victims' families.
Prosecution's Position and Family Impact
Prosecutors had not publicly revealed a potential motive for the shootings but indicated in court filings that they intended to prove Thompson's actions were "especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel" and that he attempted to avoid custody.
Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman acknowledged the plea notice on Tuesday, stating, "We are ready to move forward. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims."
The case has also involved Thompson's family in legal matters. In 2024, Thompson's father pleaded guilty to improperly storing a handgun that authorities said was found with his son after the shootings. He received a suspended sentence and probation.
According to search warrants, investigators seized 11 firearms and 160 boxes of ammunition—some of them empty—from the Thompson family home following the tragic events.
The community continues to remember the victims, with memorials including flowers and candles placed at the entrance of the Hedingham neighbourhood in the days following the shooting, serving as poignant reminders of the lives lost in this devastating incident.
