Live updates: Austin Thompson sentenced to life without possibility of parole for killing 5 people

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Last updated: Saturday, February 14, 2026 11:26AM GMT
Judge rules Raleigh mass shooter to life without parole

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Austin Thompson, 18, was sentenced to life without possibility of parole Friday for all five counts of first-degree murder.

The judge ruled he was sentenced to at least 157 months for attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury to Lynn Gardner.

The hearing lasted about two weeks. 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.

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

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

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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."

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Feb 10, 2026, 12:35 PM GMT

Court in recess until Thursday morning

Court is now in recess until Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

Austin Thompson's mother gave emotional testimony, speaking about her sons and family life and how the world changed on that fateful day. More to come.