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.
Defense challenges digital search findings, FBI expert testimony
At 10:21 a.m., the defense reviews the digital search on Thompson's devices, noting that less than 0.5% of the content involved assaults and shootings.
Sgt. Pike confirms all searched content on Thompson's phone was viewed within two years of the shooting, as Thompson had the phone for less than two years before the crime.
At 10:25 a.m., the state attempts to call Dr. Carrie Gibson, unit chief of the FBI's behavioral analysis unit, as their next witness. The defense objects, arguing Gibson lacks sufficient knowledge of the case to testify at a sentencing hearing. Judge Ridgeway will hear from Gibson but assess the weight of her information.
Feb 06, 2026, 2:54 PM GMT
Sgt Pile testifies on digital evidence in mass shooting case
Friday marks the fourth day of the Raleigh mass shooter's sentencing hearing.
Court resumed around 9:30 a.m.
The defense called Sergeant Robert Pile of the Raleigh Police Department to testify. He investigated Thompson's digital evidence and provided details about his search history in the months and days leading up to the October 13 mass shooting.
Feb 10, 2026, 12:35 PM GMT
State focuses on trying to establish premeditation in mass shooting
The state focused this afternoon on trying to establish premeditation in the Raleigh mass shooting that took place in the Hedingham neighborhood in 2022.
That will play a factor in the sentence.
A Raleigh police sergeant spoke about searches done on Thompson's personal devices.
That sergeant testified Thompson searched school shootings 25 times, serial killers 30 times, and torture another 30 times.
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.
