Teen sentenced to life without parole for North Carolina mass shooting

18-year-old pleaded guilty to killing 5 people in 2022 attack

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A judge sentenced an 18-year-old to life in prison without parole for a 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina that left 5 people dead. Austin David Thompson pleaded guilty to 5 counts of first-degree murder and other charges related to the attack, which began at his home when he shot and stabbed his 16-year-old brother. Thompson then fatally shot 4 others, including an off-duty police officer, in his neighborhood and along a greenway before being arrested.

Why it matters

The sentencing highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and the challenges of addressing mental health issues that may contribute to such tragedies. The case also raises questions about juvenile offenders and whether life sentences without parole are appropriate, even for the most heinous crimes.

The details

Thompson, who was 15 at the time of the attack, was equipped with firearms and wearing camouflage when he began shooting. After killing his brother, he fatally shot 4 others - Nicole Connors, Raleigh police Officer Gabriel Torres, Mary Marshall, and Susan Karnatz. Two other people were also wounded. Prosecutors presented evidence of Thompson's internet search history related to school shootings, guns, assaults, and bomb-making materials.

  • The attack occurred on October 13, 2022.
  • Thompson pleaded guilty less than 2 weeks before his scheduled trial in January 2026.
  • Thompson was sentenced on February 14, 2026.

The players

Austin David Thompson

An 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to 5 counts of first-degree murder and other charges related to the 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina.

James Thompson

Austin Thompson's 16-year-old brother, who was shot and stabbed by Austin at the start of the attack.

Nicole Connors

One of the 4 victims fatally shot by Austin Thompson during the rampage.

Gabriel Torres

A Raleigh police officer who was killed by Austin Thompson during the attack.

Mary Marshall

One of the 4 victims fatally shot by Austin Thompson during the rampage.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to conceive of a greater display of malice.”

— Judge Paul Ridgeway, Superior Court Judge

“And the thing that made it change was not some acne medication. It was the defendant's knowing, researched, well-thought-out, planned, decisive actions.”

— Patrick Latour, Wake County Assistant Prosecutor

“He is not unredeemable, he is not incorrigible.”

— Deonte' Thomas, Defense Lawyer

“We both lost our children, one at the hand of the other. We never saw this coming and still cannot make sense of it.”

— Elise Thompson, Mother of Austin Thompson

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Austin Thompson to life without parole will likely be appealed by his defense lawyers.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence, the challenges of addressing mental health issues that may contribute to such crimes, and the ongoing debate around appropriate sentencing for juvenile offenders who commit the most heinous acts.