Raleigh Mass Shooter's Genetic Defect Could Inhibit Ability to Process Acne Meds, Defense Argues

DNA expert testifies that Austin Thompson has a genetic deficiency that could affect how he metabolizes certain medications like minocycline.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The defense in the sentencing trial of the Raleigh mass shooter Austin Thompson presented testimony from a forensic DNA expert who said Thompson has a genetic deficiency that could make it harder for him to process certain medications, including the acne drug minocycline. The defense has argued that minocycline contributed to Thompson's mental decline and led him to commit the 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood.

Why it matters

The defense is attempting to build a case that Thompson's genetic makeup and medication side effects played a role in the mass shooting, which could impact the sentencing decision. The prosecution has pushed back, arguing the literature shows minocycline more commonly affects women and that there is no evidence linking it to mass murder.

The details

Dr. Maher Noureddine, a forensic DNA expert, testified that after examining Thompson's genetic background, he found Thompson inherited two copies of a 'bad gene' from his parents that would make it harder for him to metabolize certain components. Noureddine said this means Thompson 'can process some medicines fine, but others not so well.' However, Noureddine acknowledged more testing would be needed to determine if Thompson specifically had issues processing minocycline. The prosecution challenged Noureddine's testimony, noting the literature shows minocycline more commonly affects women.

  • The sentencing trial for Austin Thompson, the Raleigh mass shooter, is currently underway.
  • The defense presented testimony from DNA expert Dr. Maher Noureddine on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Austin Thompson

The Raleigh mass shooter who committed a deadly attack in the Hedingham neighborhood in October 2022.

Dr. Maher Noureddine

A forensic DNA evidence consultant who testified on behalf of the defense about Thompson's genetic background and ability to process certain medications.

Judge Paul Ridgeway

The judge presiding over Thompson's sentencing trial.

Dr. George Corvin

A psychiatrist who testified on Tuesday that minocycline can have rare psychiatric side effects, including feelings of depersonalization.

Dr. Dean Morrell

A children's dermatologist with UNC Health who told WRAL News he has never heard of minocycline leading to murder.

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What they’re saying

“What this result says is that he is unable to process medicine compared to a completely normal individual. [Thompson] can process some medicines fine, but others not so well.”

— Dr. Maher Noureddine, Forensic DNA evidence consultant (WRAL News)

“In order to get to the question, 'Can he or can't he process minocycline,' you have to do much more tests than that. You have to figure out how that one particular medicine is working in his body to predict that.”

— Dr. Maher Noureddine, Forensic DNA evidence consultant (WRAL News)

“Isn't the literature clear that [minocycline] tends to affect females more than males in terms of side effects?”

— Prosecution (WRAL News)

“There is mention of that...[but] that tells us very little about what this medicine could do to a variety of different ages.”

— Dr. Maher Noureddine, Forensic DNA evidence consultant (WRAL News)

What’s next

The defense will present the rest of its witnesses and evidence this week, but it's unclear how much more they plan to present. It's also unclear if Thompson will get to speak before he is sentenced.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex interplay between genetics, medication side effects, and criminal behavior. The defense is arguing Thompson's genetic makeup made it harder for him to process certain drugs like minocycline, which they claim contributed to his mental decline. However, the prosecution has pushed back, noting the rarity of such severe side effects. The judge's final sentencing decision will weigh these competing arguments.