Live updates: Austin Thompson sentenced to life without possibility of parole for killing 5 people
Last updated: Saturday, February 14, 2026 11:26AM GMT
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.
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.
