North Carolina Teen Admits Guilt in 2022 Five-Person Murder Spree
The recent case of a North Carolina teenager highlights the tragedy of a five-person murder spree in 2022. Austin Thompson, now 18, has admitted guilt for the killings that shocked the Hedingham neighborhood in Raleigh.
Austin Thompson’s Guilty Plea
On a Wednesday in early 2023, Thompson entered a guilty plea for multiple charges, which included:
- Five counts of first-degree murder
- Attempted murder
- Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon
- Assault on a law enforcement officer
Thompson, dressed in a burgundy sweater, addressed Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway. He stated that despite being on medication, it did not affect his decision to plead guilty.
Details of the 2022 Murder Spree
On October 13, 2022, a 15-year-old Thompson armed himself with a .22-caliber rifle. The tragic events began around 4:20 p.m. when he fatally shot his brother, James Thompson, inside their home. This initial act led to a series of random killings within the neighborhood.
Victims of the Shooting
During the spree, Austin Thompson killed:
- Nicole Connors, 52
- Gabriel Torres, 29 (a Raleigh police officer)
- Mary Marshall, 34
- Susan Karnatz, 49
Officer Torres was shot while leaving his driveway, only moments from heading to work. Prosecutors stated he did not have time to respond before being struck by gunfire at close range.
Aftermath of the Incident
Following the shootings, Thompson attempted to evade capture. When tracked by police and K-9 units, he shot himself in the head but survived the injury. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Upcoming Sentencing Hearing
Thompson was initially scheduled to face trial in February. However, his guilty plea has changed the course of the case. Judge Ridgeway has set a sentencing hearing for February 2, 2023, which may extend over several days.
Due to his age at the time of the crimes, capital punishment is not an option. Thompson faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole.
This case continues to evoke discussions on youth crime and mental health, as the community grapples with the impact of these tragic events.
