Teen Pleads Guilty to 2022 Raleigh Mass Shooting That Killed Five, Including Brother and Officer
RALEIGH, N.C. — Austin David Thompson, now 18, pleaded guilty Wednesday to multiple charges related to the 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh that left five people dead, including his older brother and a local police officer. Thompson, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, admitted to five counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assaulting an officer with a gun, according to court records.
The rampage unfolded in Thompson’s neighborhood, where he opened fire, killing his brother James Thompson, 52-year-old Nicole Connors, 29-year-old Raleigh Police Officer Gabriel Torres, 34-year-old Mary Marshall, and 49-year-old Susan Karnatz. The shooting shocked the community and prompted a large-scale law enforcement response.
Thompson had been scheduled to face a state murder trial later this month but changed his plea following months of legal deliberations. His lawyers announced the decision to plead guilty just days before the trial was set to begin.
Officer Torres, one of the victims, was widely mourned for his service to the community. The City of Raleigh and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety both issued statements recognizing his sacrifice and the tragedy of the event.
The case has drawn attention to issues surrounding juvenile offenders and violent crime in North Carolina. Experts note that the legal system faces challenges in addressing serious crimes committed by minors, especially when the crimes have devastating impacts on families and communities alike.
Thompson’s guilty plea spares the victims’ families from a prolonged trial and allows the court to move forward with sentencing, which is scheduled for February. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the maximum penalties allowed under state law.
The shooting remains one of the deadliest in Raleigh’s recent history, prompting discussions on public safety and gun violence prevention. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting program, incidents of mass shootings continue to be a significant concern nationwide.
As the community prepares for sentencing, many reflect on the profound loss and the urgent need for solutions to prevent future tragedies. The North Carolina Department of Justice continues to support initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and improving community safety statewide.
Leave a Reply