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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Elaina Athans Image
Feb 13, 2026, 10:13 PM GMT

Judge says Thompson deserved maximum punishment

There were seven full days of testimony, and 39 witnesses took the stand.

Judge Paul Ridgeway said Austin Thompson was the rare juvenile defendant who deserved the maximum punishment of life without the possibility of parole.

"These facts reflect a defendant who, for many months and certainly several months prior to committing murder, fantasized, researched, and planned his criminal acts in his escape. On the day he committed the murders, he confirmed his sanity, his culpability, and his lack of regret in a written note," said Ridgeway.

The defense did enter a notice of appeal as Thompson was led out of the courtroom.

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Feb 13, 2026, 8:27 PM GMT

Husband of Nicole Conners describes himself as a 'broken man' after sentencing

Nicole Conners' husband, Tracey Howard, spoke with ABC11 after the sentencing, describing himself as "a broken man."

He was the only loved one to attend the hearing every day and testified last week. While he acknowledged that the sentence brings a degree of closure, he said it doesn't bring anyone back.

"It's a step closer to everything being over with," Howard said.

He also said he has not forgiven Austin Thompson: "I never heard Austin apologize. I never seen any regrets-no soul. Right now, I can't forgive him...so ... I can't forgive him."

In court, Austin Thompson's parents were visibly distraught. His father kept his head down and hunched over during most of the sentencing, while his mother wiped tears from her face with a tissue.

Thompson is set to be transferred to the adult correctional facility.

ABC11's Elaina Athans contributed.

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Feb 13, 2026, 3:03 PM GMT

Thompson will spend rest of his life in prison; judge rules out possibility of parole

At 9:59 a.m., Judge Ridgeway sentences Austin Thompson, now 18, 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.

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Feb 13, 2026, 2:58 PM GMT

Judge reviews evidence presented to court

At 9:40 a.m., Judge Ridgeway talked about the timeline and facts of shooting based on evidence presented in court.

"It's hard to conceive of a greater display of pure malice than the conduct of the defendant in indiscriminate targeting and brutal killing of five homicide victims," he said. "This lengthy period of premeditation and deliberation, paired with malice, are compelling findings that support the conclusion or a conclusion that Austin Thompson is one of the rare juvenile defenders whose crime is irreparable corruption."

At 9:51 a.m., Ridgeway said the court does not support the defense's argument that the acne medicine caused dissociation.