Live updates: Austin Thompson sentencing phase for killing 5 people in Hedingham in Raleigh

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Last updated: Saturday, February 7, 2026 1:28PM GMT
Austin Thompson sentencing hearing

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to killing five people in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood in October 2022 will soon learn his fate.

Austin Thompson's trial for the deadly mass shooting was scheduled to begin on Tuesday. However, that date is now the first day of his sentencing phase because Thompson and his legal team decided to enter a guilty plea for all five murders and some additional charges on Jan. 21 in Wake County.

In the motion, Thompson said he wanted to plead guilty to all charges to spare the community of a trial and inflict more trauma. It goes on to say that by moving straight to the sentencing hearing, he hopes what comes out during sentencing brings peace and as much closure as possible.

The sentencing phase could last up to two weeks.

The five people killed on Oct. 13, 2022 shooting:

  • Nicole Connors, 52
  • Susan Karnatz, 49
  • Mary Marshall, 35
  • Gabriel Torres, 29
  • James Thompson, 16

ABC11 will stream the hearing live here and provide up-to-the-minute updates in this live blog.

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Feb 05, 2026, 4:07 PM GMT

Father of Austin Thompson gives impact statement: 'parents' worst nightmare'

Alan Thompson testified that there were no signs that Austin was capable of this.

In his impact statement, he said: "(My wife) and I experienced a parents' worst nightmare...We lost both of our sons. We're trying to do the best we can. I am not sure if I will be able to reconcile with the one who committed this crime. The (Austin) I knew for 15 years would never have done this."

"When James died, a part of me died... the person I raised and the person who did these things -- I can't put them together."

"None of it makes sense to me. I know he did it but it's like it's two completely different people. I want to apologize to the other victims for the pain Austin has caused their families."

Alan also testified extensively about teaching both his sons to shoot and how they often went target practicing together.

Watch full statement:

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Feb 05, 2026, 3:11 PM GMT

Father of Austin Thompson takes stand

Around 10 a.m., Alan Thompson, the father of Austin, took the stand.

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Feb 05, 2026, 2:51 PM GMT

Wife of killed police officer delivers impact statement as court resumes

Court resumed at 9:30 a.m. Jasmine Torres, the wife of killed Officer Gabriel Torres, gave an impact statement.

"(Austin) made a conscious decision to brutally murder his brother James and kill his beautiful neighbor Nicole along with her precious fur baby. His evil actions continued as he severely injured Miss Lynn, but by the will of God, she thankfully survived today," she said.

"The next victim was so near and dear to my heart," she said, looking at Austin. "Look at me, Austin. My dearest husband, Gabe. He was a man who worked day in and day out to not only ensure the safety of his home, but the community and the country as well. He stole his life. You stole my life. You stole my daughter's life. You had no right. None. And Austin, how dare you point your rifle at my friend? And although the trigger was never pulled, that's also a life that's forever changed. And it is unforgivable. You heard my screams. I know you did. I replay that day over and over and over in my head."

Our Elaina Athans has more.
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Feb 10, 2026, 12:35 PM GMT

Thompson's mother testifies about day her world was shattered

Elise Thompson said she was getting her hair done, and the stylist turned on the news about the mass shooting.

She said she started panicking when she saw which area of Hedingham was being blocked off.

Thompson raced home.

Elise Thompson said she was getting her hair done, and the stylist turned on the news about the mass shooting.

"I kept banging on the door and then ran out and up onto the porch ... my head's on a swivel because all this stuff is going on and then I walked into my master bedroom where, as everybody knows, I found his (James') body on the bathroom floor," said Thompson. "I remember running and screaming."

Thompson said her world has been shattered and that there were no signs.

She said during a victim impact statement, "I lost both of you in one afternoon. The last thing I want to say is to the families of the victims - Susan, Mary, Nicole, Gabriel, and to the survivors, Lynn and Casey -- I know your lives have changed permanently, and I am and will forever be sorry for the pain that this has caused you."