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, 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.

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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.