Austin Thompson Sentencing Hearing Continues

Day 2 of testimony in the sentencing of the Raleigh mass shooter

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:07am

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The second day of the sentencing hearing for Austin Thompson, who pleaded guilty to five counts of murder and other charges related to the October 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood, is underway. Tuesday featured emotional testimony from family members and details from police on the investigative process.

Why it matters

The sentencing hearing will determine the punishment for Thompson, who admitted to killing five people and injuring others in one of the deadliest mass shootings in North Carolina history. The proceedings provide an opportunity for victims' families to share the impact of the tragedy and for the court to decide an appropriate sentence.

The details

On Wednesday, the second day of the sentencing hearing, more testimony is expected from those impacted by the mass shooting. On Tuesday, family members gave emotional accounts of their loss and suffering, while police shared details about the large response the incident garnered and the investigative process.

  • The sentencing hearing for Austin Thompson began on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Wednesday, February 5, 2026 is the second day of the sentencing hearing.

The players

Austin Thompson

The 19-year-old man who pleaded guilty to five counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and one count of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer for the October 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood.

Raleigh Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the October 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Thompson's sentence after hearing all testimony and evidence presented during the sentencing hearing.

The takeaway

The sentencing hearing for Austin Thompson, the perpetrator of the deadly 2022 Raleigh mass shooting, is a somber and emotional process as the community grapples with the immense loss and trauma caused by the tragedy. The proceedings will ultimately determine the appropriate punishment for Thompson's crimes.