Dermatologist Disputes Claim Acne Meds Contributed to Raleigh Mass Shooting

UNC Health doctor says he's never heard of Minocycline causing psychiatric side effects like murder.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A local dermatologist is disputing claims that Austin Thompson's acne medication contributed to the 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood that left 5 people dead. Dr. Dean Morrell of UNC Health said he's never heard of Minocycline, a common acne treatment, causing psychiatric side effects like 'depersonalization' that could lead to violence. Morrell argued the medication usually has the opposite effect, improving mood and mental health in teenagers and young adults.

Why it matters

This case has reignited the debate around potential links between certain medications and violent behavior. While some experts argue certain acne drugs like Accutane can have severe psychiatric side effects, the dermatologist's comments challenge the defense's claims about Minocycline's role in the Raleigh shooting.

The details

During the sentencing hearing for Austin Thompson, who pleaded guilty to the 2022 Raleigh mass shooting, his attorneys argued that his acne medication Minocycline contributed to the attack. However, Dr. Dean Morrell, a children's dermatologist at UNC Health, disputed this claim, saying he's never heard of Minocycline causing psychiatric side effects 'including and up to depersonalization' that could lead to violence. Morrell stated the medication usually has the opposite effect, improving mood and mental health in teenagers and young adults.

  • On October 13, 2022, Austin Thompson carried out a mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood, killing 5 people and injuring 2 others.
  • On Tuesday, during Thompson's sentencing hearing, his attorneys argued his acne medication Minocycline contributed to the attack.

The players

Dr. Dean Morrell

A children's dermatologist with UNC Health who disputed claims that Austin Thompson's acne medication Minocycline contributed to the 2022 Raleigh mass shooting.

Austin Thompson

The 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to carrying out the 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood, killing 5 people and injuring 2 others.

George Patrick Corvin

A general and forensic psychiatrist who testified that Minocycline could induce psychiatric side effects like 'depersonalization' that could lead to violence.

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What they’re saying

“Treating inflammatory acne in a teenager or young adult can have profound improved effects on mood, feelings of sself-worthand overall mental health.”

— Dr. Dean Morrell, Children's Dermatologist, UNC Health

“I can't give the answer to why this happened, and that's pretty unusual in these cars. It's unusual and frustrating to be unable to ascertain.”

— George Patrick Corvin, General and Forensic Psychiatrist

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around potential links between certain medications and violent behavior. While some experts argue certain acne drugs can have severe psychiatric side effects, the dermatologist's comments challenge those claims and suggest the medication may actually have a positive impact on mental health in teenagers and young adults.