Live updates: Austin Thompson sentencing phase for killing 5 people in Hedingham in Raleigh
Last updated: Saturday, February 7, 2026 1:28PM GMT
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.
Note found in mass shooter's bedroom: 'I hate humans'
During Sgt. Tripp's testimony, a note found in Austin's bedroom on the day of the shooting was presented. The note read:
The reason I did this is because I hate humans. They are destroying the planet/earth. Killed him at 4:20 about 5 minutes off maybe. He kept breathing so I stabbed him. Stopped breathing about 10-15 mins later. I don't have a goal. I'm not suicidal. Death is like sleep. That's why I don't care if I die. I was never buillied or anything. By dad. I don't like you mom. Every other family member is good. Thanks juan and deangelo for taking me hunting. I don't want to die but it's going to happen anyway. You were the best dad. I was never bullied in school either. (Cops) i killed James because he would get in my way. I killed James with a subsonic 22 I stole from Cabella's. I have no regrets. I'm not mental either. I was sane when I did this.
Around 12:33 p.m., Tripp stated he was also shown a hollowed-out Chapstick tube discovered by Alan Thompson, Austin's father. Inside were tiny handwritten notes and diagrams. One diagram was believed to depict a "bomb-making" design and instructions, while others appeared to show pipe bombs and related instructions.
At 1 p.m., the court breaks for lunch.
Feb 05, 2026, 5:30 PM GMT
Prosecution calls RPD sergeant to stand
The prosecution called William Tripp, a sergeant with the Raleigh Police Department and a detective on the day of the shooting, to the stand around 11 a.m.
Court went into recess at 11:30 a.m. and resumed at 11:45 a.m., when a map displayed Thompson's path from his home to where he was captured.
Tripp confirmed he spoke with Alan Thompson about the phone call in which he talked with Austin.
At 12:26, Tripp began reviewing the confession letter from Austin.
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:
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.
