North Carolina Teen Sentenced to Life for Killing 5, Citing Environmental Motives

Austin David Thompson, 18, pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder for the 2022 shooting deaths in Raleigh.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Austin David Thompson, 18, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Friday for the 2022 shooting deaths of five people in Raleigh, North Carolina, including his 16-year-old brother. Thompson pleaded guilty last month to five counts of first-degree murder after the attacks, which he claimed were motivated by his hatred of people and their destruction of the planet.

Why it matters

The mass shooting deeply impacted the Raleigh community and reignited the debate surrounding gun violence and youth crime in the United States. Despite Thompson's young age at the time of the crime, the court ruled out the possibility of the death penalty, concluding a case that has drawn national attention and raised questions about the factors contributing to youth violence.

The details

The attacks began on October 13, 2022, when Thompson shot and killed his brother, James Thompson, at their home shortly after school. He then proceeded to shoot four other individuals in the surrounding area, including a police officer who was off-duty, before being apprehended after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Thompson had planned the attacks, citing his internet search history related to prior shootings and firearms. A handwritten note discovered at his home, dated the day of the shooting, revealed his motives, stating 'The reason why I did Here's because I hate people — they destroy the planet/Earth' and that he killed his brother 'because he was in the way'.

  • On October 13, 2022, Thompson shot and killed his brother, James Thompson, at their home shortly after school.
  • Thompson then proceeded to shoot four other individuals in the surrounding area, including a police officer who was off-duty.
  • Thompson was apprehended after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The players

Austin David Thompson

An 18-year-old who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2022 shooting deaths of five people in Raleigh, North Carolina, including his 16-year-old brother.

James Thompson

Austin David Thompson's 16-year-old brother, who was one of the five people killed in the 2022 shooting in Raleigh.

Roy Cooper

The Governor of North Carolina, who described the shooting as 'a nightmare for any community' and 'a senseless, horrific and infuriating act of violence'.

Paul Ridgeway

The judge who presided over the case and rejected the defense's argument that Thompson's actions were the result of a dissociative episode triggered by medication, stating that the evidence did not support it.

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What they’re saying

“Terror has reach to our doorstep.”

— Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina (world-today-news.com)

“The reason why I did Here's because I hate people — they destroy the planet/Earth.”

— Austin David Thompson (world-today-news.com)

What’s next

The defense has indicated plans to appeal the verdict.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing youth violence and the complex factors that can contribute to such tragic events, including mental health, access to firearms, and environmental concerns. It underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to prevention and intervention to protect vulnerable communities.