More than three years after one of the deadliest acts of violence in recent city history, Austin Thompson has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the fatal shooting that claimed five lives in the Hedingham neighborhood on October 13, 2022. The sentence was handed down by Judge Paul Ridgeway, bringing legal closure to a case that left a community grieving and searching for answers.
Thompson, who was 15 years old at the time of the attack, admitted responsibility for the killings that unfolded across a residential neighborhood and nearby walking paths, leaving families forever changed and residents shaken by the sudden violence. No known motive has ever been publicly identified, adding to the heartbreak and unanswered questions surrounding the tragedy.
The victims remembered today include:
- Nicole Connors, 52
Susan Karnatz, 49
Mary Marshall, 35
Gabriel Torres, 29, an off-duty police officer
James Thompson, 16, the defendant's brother
Their deaths sent shockwaves through Raleigh and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief, memorial gatherings, and ongoing calls for healing and unity. Family members and loved ones have repeatedly spoken of the enduring pain left behind, emphasizing that while the legal process may now be complete, the emotional journey continues.
The sentencing underscores the seriousness of the crimes and reflects the court's determination that the severity of the tragedy warranted the maximum available punishment. Community leaders, faith groups, and residents continue to encourage support and prayer for the victims' families, survivors, first responders, and all those whose lives were affected that day.
As Raleigh reflects on the lasting impact of the Hedingham shooting, the city remembers five lives lost too soon - and a community's continuing commitment to healing, remembrance, and hope for the future.
