I'm just waiting for the "black on black crime doesn't exist" crew to enter the chat. They will be sure to include that the crime statistics regarding black folk are fake and black neighborhoods are the most peaceful places on earth.
In fact....I'm sure they will say that most hoods are completely safe for kids to play.
[/QU
Mass Shooting in Raleigh, NC tonight
- Thread starter powmia
- Start date
Karnatz was an avid runner. Her husband, Tom, said she was a loving wife and mother to three boys ages 10, 13 and 14.
Her sister told WRAL News that Karnatz was killed on the trail that she ran every day.
Mary Marshall was walking her dogs on the greenway when she heard shots. As she ran home, she called her fiancé and asked him to come home. She was shot and killed along the way, according to her sister, Meaghan McCrickard.
Oct. 24 would have been her birthday.
McCrickard told NBC News that her family is considering changing what would have been her wedding day on Oct. 29 into a celebration of life.
Nicole Conners loved dogs. She died alongside her Jack Russell mix, Sami, said her husband, Tracey Howard. He found them together lying on the porch.
The victims in Raleigh's Hedingham shooting
The five people who died were identified by police as off-duty Raleigh officer Gabriel Torres, 29, who was on his way to work when he was shot; Knightdale High School junior James Roger Thompson, 16; Nicole Conners, 52; Susan Karnatz, 49; and Mary Marshall, 34.
www.wral.com
"
A day after the shooting, WRAL News talked with two people believed to be family members of the suspected shooter through phone calls and texts.
The woman on the phone was asked if she was the mother of the suspected shooter and one of the victims. She wouldn't answer that question and then hung up."
Nothing else concerning the parents and how he got the gun.
Suspected Raleigh gunman had at least 2 weapons during deadly shooting that killed 5 people, injured 2 others
Sources told WRAL News the suspect had at least two guns.
Posted 3:33 p.m. Today — Updated 5:59 p.m. Today
RALEIGH, N.C. — New police radio traffic indicates more than one weapon was found at the scene of the Oct. 13 shooting that killed five people and injured two others.
On Monday, WRAL Investigates asked Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson for an interview to talk about the latest developments in the case. The request was denied.
Raleigh police continue to remain tight-lipped about the guns used and who they belonged to.
“We mourn and share the loss of not only our officer but all the victims of this senseless gun crime,” Patterson said on Oct. 14.
It’s been three days since Patterson has addressed the public about Oct. 13 mass shooting in Raleigh. The 15-year-old shooting suspect remains in the hospital.
A reporter asked Patterson on Oct. 14 about how the gunman got the gun.
“That is part of the investigation that is ongoing,” Patterson said.
Raleigh police have not said if the suspect shot himself or if officers opened fire. The department has also not confirmed the type of weapons used in the attack.
Sources told WRAL Investigates the suspect had at least two guns. During a standoff with the suspect, Raleigh police radio traffic made mention of those guns.
“His firearm is in his right hand,” the radio traffic said. “[The] shotgun is still on the ground. He is still trying to pull the trigger. Nothing is happening.”
After the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, law enforcement released information about the weapons within two days. After this summer’s mass shooting at a parade in Highlight Park, Illinois, it took just one day to learn the suspect legally purchased multiple weapons.
“As is protocol with the city of Raleigh, we will provide a five-day report that will be coming with all the facts and information that we are able to provide,” Patterson said.
As the community waits for answers, they continue to mourn the loss of five innocent lives.
When WRAL Investigates asked police on Monday for more information about the weapons, a department spokesperson would only say that it's part of the ongoing investigation.
The five-day report typically provides a detailed narrative and timeline of events. The police department is expected to release the report on Thursday.
Sources told WRAL News the suspect had at least two guns.
Posted 3:33 p.m. Today — Updated 5:59 p.m. Today
RALEIGH, N.C. — New police radio traffic indicates more than one weapon was found at the scene of the Oct. 13 shooting that killed five people and injured two others.
On Monday, WRAL Investigates asked Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson for an interview to talk about the latest developments in the case. The request was denied.
Raleigh police continue to remain tight-lipped about the guns used and who they belonged to.
“We mourn and share the loss of not only our officer but all the victims of this senseless gun crime,” Patterson said on Oct. 14.
It’s been three days since Patterson has addressed the public about Oct. 13 mass shooting in Raleigh. The 15-year-old shooting suspect remains in the hospital.
A reporter asked Patterson on Oct. 14 about how the gunman got the gun.
“That is part of the investigation that is ongoing,” Patterson said.
Raleigh police have not said if the suspect shot himself or if officers opened fire. The department has also not confirmed the type of weapons used in the attack.
Sources told WRAL Investigates the suspect had at least two guns. During a standoff with the suspect, Raleigh police radio traffic made mention of those guns.
“His firearm is in his right hand,” the radio traffic said. “[The] shotgun is still on the ground. He is still trying to pull the trigger. Nothing is happening.”
After the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, law enforcement released information about the weapons within two days. After this summer’s mass shooting at a parade in Highlight Park, Illinois, it took just one day to learn the suspect legally purchased multiple weapons.
“As is protocol with the city of Raleigh, we will provide a five-day report that will be coming with all the facts and information that we are able to provide,” Patterson said.
As the community waits for answers, they continue to mourn the loss of five innocent lives.
When WRAL Investigates asked police on Monday for more information about the weapons, a department spokesperson would only say that it's part of the ongoing investigation.
The five-day report typically provides a detailed narrative and timeline of events. The police department is expected to release the report on Thursday.
Now if he had an AR, that shit would've been all over the news with talking heads bloviating bout the need for gun control. But since it was a shotgun and possibly a pistol, everyone is suddenly tight-lipped. I really hate the propaganda and politicization of tragedies
I'm just waiting for the "black on black crime doesn't exist" crew to enter the chat. They will be sure to include that the crime statistics regarding black folk are fake and black neighborhoods are the most peaceful places on earth.
In fact....I'm sure they will say that most hoods are completely safe for kids to play.
TITO_CACSON
They're not even mentioning the parents. I want to hear if it's a similar situation like the Crumbleys in Michigan.
Yeah definitely some shit they're trying really hard to keep from the public unlike most cases
A week after the devastating shooting in Raleigh that killed five people and injured three people, including the suspect, the city’s Police Department released new details about the investigation. The memo from Police Chief Estella Patterson describes the violent standoff between the teen suspect, unnamed in the report, and law enforcement, as well as the weapons found at the scene: a shotgun, a handgun and a large hunting knife. The report does not provide a motive for the shooting and says the victims had no apparent connection other than being in the same Hedingham neighborhood in northeastern Raleigh the night of the Oct. 13 incident. The first 911 calls about the shooting came at 5:09 p.m. The first officers arrived on scene 10 minutes later. READ: The entire report from police about the Raleigh mass shooting
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
After the initial shootings, the 15-year-old suspect fled to a nearby “barn-like structure” on McConnell Oliver Road, the report states. Officers did not locate the suspect in the barn until 6:42 p.m. “He fired multiple times at the officers as they surrounded the barn,” the report states. After Raleigh Police Officer Casey Clark was shot and injured, “approximately 23 rounds were fired” into the barn by Raleigh police, according to the report.
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
Police then set up a perimeter, and officers ordered the suspect to come out with his hands up. When he did not, they advanced on the building. “The suspect was located lying on the ground and appeared to be suffering from a single gunshot wound,” the report said. The report did not specify the location of the wound or say whether the suspect was shot by police or shot himself. He was found “wearing camouflage clothing,” with a handgun in his waistband, a sheath for a knife, clipped to his belt and a backpack with several types of “shotgun/rifle ammunition.” Police also found a hunting knife at the front of the barn, and a shotgun and shotgun shells near the barn, the report stated. The suspect was put in handcuffs at 9:36 p.m., nearly four and a half hours after the initial reports of shooting. The report says James Thompson, 16, the suspect’s brother, was found “with an apparent gunshot wound and stab wounds,” inside a home on Sahalee Way. Police believe the victims were shot in this order: James Thompson, Marcille Gardner, Nicole Connors, her dog, Officer Gabriel Torres, Mary Marshall, Susan Karnatz and Clark.
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
Although not mentioned in the report, a city official confirmed that Austin Thompson left a note but provided no details about what it said. The State Bureau of Investigation will investigate the officers who discharged their weapons, “as with any officer-involved shooting,” Patterson said Tuesday. The two Raleigh officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway, which is routine. The police department will petition for the release of recordings involving the two officers as well as Clark. District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said the SBI is also investigating the Wake County Sheriff’s Office for its use of force in apprehending the suspect. Gov. Roy Cooper reacted to Thursday’s report via Twitter. “Today’s police report begins to piece together the events of that terrible night, and we know that questions remain as the investigation continues. I will continue to make any and all state resources available to support this mission,” Cooper said.
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
PARENTS’ STATEMENT On Tuesday, the parents of James and Austin Thompson expressed deep condolences for the victims. “Our son Austin inflicted immeasurable pain on the Raleigh community, and we are overcome with grief for the innocent lives lost,” Alan and Elise Thompson said in a statement. The couple said they mourn for the loss of the victims and pray for the full recovery of Gardner and Clark. “We have so many unanswered questions,” they said. “There were never any indications or warning signs that Austin was capable of doing anything like this. Our family will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement officials and do whatever we can to help them understand why and how this happened.”
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
After the initial shootings, the 15-year-old suspect fled to a nearby “barn-like structure” on McConnell Oliver Road, the report states. Officers did not locate the suspect in the barn until 6:42 p.m. “He fired multiple times at the officers as they surrounded the barn,” the report states. After Raleigh Police Officer Casey Clark was shot and injured, “approximately 23 rounds were fired” into the barn by Raleigh police, according to the report.
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
Police then set up a perimeter, and officers ordered the suspect to come out with his hands up. When he did not, they advanced on the building. “The suspect was located lying on the ground and appeared to be suffering from a single gunshot wound,” the report said. The report did not specify the location of the wound or say whether the suspect was shot by police or shot himself. He was found “wearing camouflage clothing,” with a handgun in his waistband, a sheath for a knife, clipped to his belt and a backpack with several types of “shotgun/rifle ammunition.” Police also found a hunting knife at the front of the barn, and a shotgun and shotgun shells near the barn, the report stated. The suspect was put in handcuffs at 9:36 p.m., nearly four and a half hours after the initial reports of shooting. The report says James Thompson, 16, the suspect’s brother, was found “with an apparent gunshot wound and stab wounds,” inside a home on Sahalee Way. Police believe the victims were shot in this order: James Thompson, Marcille Gardner, Nicole Connors, her dog, Officer Gabriel Torres, Mary Marshall, Susan Karnatz and Clark.
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
Although not mentioned in the report, a city official confirmed that Austin Thompson left a note but provided no details about what it said. The State Bureau of Investigation will investigate the officers who discharged their weapons, “as with any officer-involved shooting,” Patterson said Tuesday. The two Raleigh officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway, which is routine. The police department will petition for the release of recordings involving the two officers as well as Clark. District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said the SBI is also investigating the Wake County Sheriff’s Office for its use of force in apprehending the suspect. Gov. Roy Cooper reacted to Thursday’s report via Twitter. “Today’s police report begins to piece together the events of that terrible night, and we know that questions remain as the investigation continues. I will continue to make any and all state resources available to support this mission,” Cooper said.
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
PARENTS’ STATEMENT On Tuesday, the parents of James and Austin Thompson expressed deep condolences for the victims. “Our son Austin inflicted immeasurable pain on the Raleigh community, and we are overcome with grief for the innocent lives lost,” Alan and Elise Thompson said in a statement. The couple said they mourn for the loss of the victims and pray for the full recovery of Gardner and Clark. “We have so many unanswered questions,” they said. “There were never any indications or warning signs that Austin was capable of doing anything like this. Our family will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement officials and do whatever we can to help them understand why and how this happened.”
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article267477938.html#storylink=cpy
Wow I did not know about this mass shooting
The term 'Mass shooting' has taken on a new meaning and I think the media outlets have fallen in love with it for not a good reason,they've started using it since that Vegas country/rock concert where the shooter was shooting from a window.
Send prayers up to the victims but the government and the people have been warned about domestic terrostic attacks and the white radical movements rising up so.....
Send prayers up to the victims but the government and the people have been warned about domestic terrostic attacks and the white radical movements rising up so.....
Raleigh mass shooter suspect condition injuries
Sources said 15-year-old Austin Thompson is monitored by Raleigh police officers around the clock. That monitoring will continue when he begins physical rehabilitation as soon as today.
www.wral.com
Raleigh mass shooter out of hospital condition
The teenage suspect in a Raleigh mass shooting is well enough to move from WakeMed to a juvenile detention facility, Raleigh police tell WRAL News.
www.wral.com
"The other big question is where Thompson got the guns he allegedly used in the mass shooting. To date, police have not answered that or charged anyone else in connection with the shootings."
Wake County Public Defender’s Office to represent 15-year-old suspected gunman in Raleigh mass shooting
The Wake County Public Defender's Office told WRAL News on Thursday it will represent Austin Thompson.
www.wral.com
Hedingham mass shooting video released by Raleigh Police shows capture of suspect Austin Thompson
They never mentioned a cop was shot during the shootout. Also the parents ain't getting the Crumbleys treatment.
Thursday marks six months since Hedingham mass shooting in Raleigh
Thursday marks six months since the Oct. 13, 2022, deadly shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood.Posted 10:52 a.m. Apr 13 - Updated 6:48 p.m. Apr 13
However, Freeman has previously told WRAL News that Austin Thompson will likely face trial as an adult. First, Freeman said the case must make its way through the juvenile justice system and that takes time.
"Sometimes, motions are filed, things have to be heard that require ... outside agencies and evaluations and things," Freeman said. "And so, all of those sorts of things can draw out a case in juvenile court."
On Thursday, Freeman said she couldn't elaborate on any charges due to state law. However, juvenile petitions have been filed.
"The next step would be a probable cause hearing," Freeman said. "Then, state law allows us, if probable cause is found, to transfer this to adult court."
Freeman said she expects a probable cause hearing to happen in the next three months.
As of Thursday, Freeman said Thompson's parents aren’t facing charges. Although, it could change as the investigation continues.
Freeman also will not comment as to where the shooter got the guns.
On Thursday, WRAL News reached out to the Thompson's attorney, who had no further comment either.
Community grieves Hedingham mass shooting victims
Six months after the mass shooting, the entrance of Hedingham looks very different than it did in October. A cross, flowers and tributes have been taken down, but the healing is still very much fresh in the community of more than 40,000 residents.Off-duty Raleigh police officer Gabriel Torres was shot and killed in October, and Nicole Connors was killed with her dog on her front porch. Mary Marshall was killed walking on the greenway behind her home, and avid runner Susan Karnatz was on a 7-mile run on the same trail when she was shot to death.
James Thompson, 16, the shooter's brother, was also killed.
Suspected Hedingham shooter moved from WakeMed to juvenile detention center
Police have released few details about where the shooter is being held and his condition, although WRAL News learned months ago Austin Thompson was recovering well from his injuries.
Rob Steele, the fiancé of Mary Marshall, said every day that passes is a struggle.
"I'm figuring out how to cook meals, do the grocery shopping, take care of the animals, all those things that go into being an adult ... having to figure out how to do [them] without Mary," Steele said.
Steele said he's only once been to the spot Marshall was shot dead next to her dog on the greenway behind her home.
"She was the best human being I ever met in my life," Steele said of his late fiancée. "She is the gold standard of the person I want to be."
Steele said he's had to navigate a new routine.
"It's important we get justice for them, as well," Steele said of the victims.
Autopsies released for Hedingham victims
James Thompson, Mary Marshall, officer Gabriel Torres, Susan Karnatz and Nicole Connors were killed in the October 2022 mass shooting.Hedingham victims autopsies released
James Thompson
James Thompson, the 16-year-old brother of the suspected shooter Austin Thompson, was stabbed dozens of times and was shot in the head, according to the autopsy.“There are a total of 57 sharp force injuries described below, of which 48 are stab wounds and 9 are incised wounds," the autopsy found. "Multiple of the stab wounds are compound/overlapping."
Raleigh police said 15-year-old Austin Thompson killed five people, including his brother, and injured two others.
WRAL News asked the attorney representing the parents of Austin and James Thompson for a comment with Tuesday's release of their son's autopsy. The attorney declined to comment.
On Tuesday, WRAL News reached out to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman to ask of Austin Thompson's whereabouts. Citing state law, she said she could not comment on cases involving juveniles.
Freeman said in April a juvenile is charged in the homicides. Last month, Freeman would not identify the juvenile facing charges.
Before April, Freeman has previously told WRAL News that the suspect will likely face trial as an adult. Also, Freeman said the case must make its way through the juvenile justice system and that takes time.
Mary Marshall
Marshall, 34, was shot on the greenway near her home with a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot ammunition, according to the medical examiner.The report found she had two shotgun wounds: One to her head and neck. The other was near her shoulders and neck.
Officer Gabriel Torres
The autopsy found Torres’ death was due to multiple gunshot wounds. He was 29.Susan Karnatz
Karnatz, 49, was shot on the greenway near her home with a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot ammunition, the autopsy found.Nicole Connors
Connors, 52, died of multiple shotgun wounds, according to the autopsy.
Those parents must be connected
From the outside looking in, looks like the DA is inept.
She's a piece of shit. She's using that job as a stepping stone. Although she ran as a democrat lot of people thinks she's an under republican. Her office isn't doing shit.
Parents are getting off the hook
FATHER OF ALLEGED SHOOTER FACING CHARGE
People who have firearms and live with minors have a responsibility to store the firearms in a way that unsupervised minors cannot access them, according to North Carolina Statute 14-315.1. On Wednesday, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman announced that Austin’s father, Alan Thompson, would be cited for breaking this law in connection to the Hedingham shooting. However, there is a fairly steep threshold to prosecute these crimes. Under the current safe storage law, parents can only face criminal charges if: A child takes the firearm without the parent’s permission and then Displays that gun in public, threatens someone with it, brings it to a school, causes injury or death with the gun or uses it in the commission of a crime. Only then, if a prosecutor decides to move forward with the case, will parents be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. For first-time offenders, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries a penalty of no more than 45 days in jail and a potential fine determined by a judge.
In the case of Alan Thompson, the prosecutor’s decision to pursue this charge indicates at least one of the guns used in the shooting belonged to Alan. This charge also indicates that Austin, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, allegedly took the gun(s) without Alan’s permission.
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article280158369.html#storylink=cpy
People who have firearms and live with minors have a responsibility to store the firearms in a way that unsupervised minors cannot access them, according to North Carolina Statute 14-315.1. On Wednesday, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman announced that Austin’s father, Alan Thompson, would be cited for breaking this law in connection to the Hedingham shooting. However, there is a fairly steep threshold to prosecute these crimes. Under the current safe storage law, parents can only face criminal charges if: A child takes the firearm without the parent’s permission and then Displays that gun in public, threatens someone with it, brings it to a school, causes injury or death with the gun or uses it in the commission of a crime. Only then, if a prosecutor decides to move forward with the case, will parents be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. For first-time offenders, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries a penalty of no more than 45 days in jail and a potential fine determined by a judge.
In the case of Alan Thompson, the prosecutor’s decision to pursue this charge indicates at least one of the guns used in the shooting belonged to Alan. This charge also indicates that Austin, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, allegedly took the gun(s) without Alan’s permission.
Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/crime/article280158369.html#storylink=cpy
Hedingham shooting: Stockpile of weapons found with accused teen shooter
The items seized include a shotgun, $772 in cash, multiple pistols, "projectiles," knives, rifles, rifle magazines, shell casings, ammunition rounds and bullets.Posted 9:51 a.m. Jan 24 - Updated 3:53 p.m. Jan 25
WRAL News has reviewed search warrants from the Oct. 13, 2022, Hedingham shooting which reveal the sheer number of weapons and ammunition seized from the shed where Austin Thompson was captured.
In October, a judge ruled Thompson -- who was 15 when investigators say he killed five people, including his brother, in an east Raleigh neighborhood -- should be tried as an adult.
Thompson, now 16, is believed to be in custody in a juvenile facility and was appointed a public defender last year. The teenager is facing five counts murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill and one count of assault with firearm on law enforcement officer.
The newly-discovered search warrant reveals what items SBI agents seized from Thompson in the shed where he hid after the shootings. The items include a shotgun, $772 in cash, multiple pistols, "projectiles," knives, rifles, rifle magazines, shell casings, ammunition rounds and bullets.
It is unclear how many of each weapon Thompson had, which weapons he carried through the neighborhood and if any weapons were stored in the shed ahead of time.
Thompson was arrested at the shed, located beside a home on McConnell Oliver Drive, close to 6 miles away from his own home.
The search warrant states Thompson barricaded himself in the shed, where a shootout occurred with law enforcement before the teenager was taken into custody. It is believed that Thompson had planned to use the shed to hide weapons and change clothes.
New search warrant reveals arsenal found with accused Hedingham mass shooter
The document shows suspected shooter Austin Thompson had multiple guns, ammunition and projectiles.
Raleigh mass shooting: Boxes of ammo, rifles, pistols and letter found inside home of accused teen shooter
Hundreds of boxes of ammunition, multiple weapons and a letter describing his brother's death were found in Austin Thompson's home, according to search warrants obtained by WRAL News.Posted 12:13 p.m. Mar 21 - Updated 5:41 p.m. Mar 21
Dozens of boxes of ammunition, multiple weapons and a letter describing his brother's death were found in Austin Thompson's home, according to search warrants obtained by WRAL News.
A potential trial date has been scheduled for Sept. 22, 2025, for Austin Thompson, the teenager accused in Raleigh's Oct. 13, 2022, Hedingham mass shooting.
Search warrants list items seized from the Thompsons' home on on Sahalee Way, including 170 boxes and bags of ammunition, 45 already empty, and at least 11 weapons, including three 12 gauge shotguns, five 22 caliber rifles and two 22 calliber pistols.
The list also cites projectiles, knives, rifle magazines, shell casings and bullets.
Search warrants list items seized from the Thompsons' home, including more than 40 boxes of ammunition, some already empty, and at least 11 weapons, including four shotguns, five rifles and two pistols.
The warrant also describes a letter written by Austin Thompson, which "describes in some detail" how James Thompson, Austin's brother, was shot and then stabbed until he stopped breathing. Police found James Thompson, one of five people killed that day, dead in the master bathroom of his family's home.
A search warrant for the accused shooter's cell phone states Austin Thompson used Safari to search "active shooter NC" on Google while the incident was unfolding. Austin Thompson allegedly researched previous active shooter and mass killing incidents, the age of shooters, weapons and ammunition, according to the warrant.
A search warrant for the accused shooter's cell phone states Austin Thompson used Safari to search "active shooter NC" on Google while the incident was unfolding.
Authorities also searched Austin Thompson's Twitter (X) account and his Wake County Public Schools email.
A search warrant for the accused shooter's cell phone states Austin Thompson used Safari to search "active shooter NC" on Google while the incident was unfolding. Austin Thompson allegedly researched previous active shooter and mass killing incidents, weapons and ammunition, according to the warrant.
Thompson, 16, is believed to be in custody in a juvenile facility and was appointed a public defender. The teenager is facing five counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill and one count of assault with firearm on law enforcement officer.
In October, a judge ruled Thompson -- who was 15 when investigators say he opened fire in an east Raleigh neighborhood -- should be tried as an adult.
In January, an earlier search warrant detailed a stockpile of weapons found with accused teen shooter in the shed where he was arrested.
The items seized from the shed include a shotgun, $772 in cash, multiple pistols, "projectiles," knives, rifles, rifle magazines, shell casings, ammunition rounds and bullets.
Austin Thompson's father faces misdemeanor charge
Alan Thompson, Austin's father, is facing misdemeanor charges for storing a firearm in a manner accessible to a minor. His next court date is May 30.Alan Thompson was in contact with his son on Oct. 13 as Austin was being tracked by police, according to the warrants.
WRAL News asked District Attorney Lorrin Freeman why Austin Thompson's parents don't face more serious charges, like involuntary manslaughter, which James and Jennifer Crumbley face in Michigan.
James and Jennifer Crumbley's 17-year-old son, Ethan Crumbley, is serving life in prison after pleading guilty to murder and terrorism. Ethan Crumbley opened fire on Nov. 30, 2021, at Oxford High School in Michigan, killing four students and injuring others.
Freeman said on Thursday that the Hedingham shooting reflects "significant differences" to the Michigan case.
"It is additionally of note that the parents in the Michigan case did not cooperate with investigators and prosecutors from the beginning of that terrible situation," Freeman said. "While it is inappropriate for me to comment on the currently pending case involving Thompson, the public record would reflect significant differences in these cases."
Furthermore, Freeman said "the facts and evidence in the tragedy in Oakland County, Michigan demonstrated aggravating factors that made seeking an involuntary manslaughter conviction against the assailant’s parents possible. Involuntary manslaughter requires a level of criminal negligence including among other things failing to heed clear warnings that risks exist."
Case against Austin Thompson proceeds slowly
District Attorney Lorrin Freeman tells WRAL News this case has a massive amount of evidence to work through.Thompson's case will not go to trial until 2025. Thompson will not face the death penalty if convicted, as federal law prohibits the death penalty for those who are younger than 18 at the time of their crimes.
Freeman previously told WRAL News the case is one of her top priorities in office, in part due to a massive amount of evidence to sift through.
"It is a case we have taken seriously from the beginning and one that brings challenges due to the number of victims ... and [the] fact that it was a multi-agency response," Freeman said.
If Thompson is convicted, he could face life in prison for each of the five homicides, Freeman said.
Attorneys Roger Smith and Russell Babb are representing Alan Thompson and his wife, Elise Thompson, along with a public defender.
Timeline: Five killed in Raleigh mass shooting
Five people were killed in the Oct. 13, 2022, rampage that started at Thompson's home on Sahalee Way and preceded through the Hedingham neighborhood to the Neuse River Greenway.Those victims were:
- James Thompson, 16, brother of the suspect
- Officer Gabriel Torres, 29, who was on his way to work at the Raleigh Police Department
- Nicole Conners, 52, who was shot on her front porch with her dog
- Susan Karnatz, 49, who was running on the Neuse River Greenway
- Mary Marshall, 34, who was shot on the Neuse River Greenway
- Raleigh police officer Casey Clark was injured during the search for the shooter
- Marcille "Lynn" Gardner, a special education teacher, who lived in the Hedingham neighborhood
Another search warrant states Thompson barricaded himself in the shed, where a shootout occurred with law enforcement before the teenager was taken into custody. It is believed that Thompson had planned to use the shed to hide weapons and change clothes.
Investigators seized multiple weapons and items from the shed, include a shotgun, $772 in cash, multiple pistols, "projectiles," knives, rifles, rifle magazines, shell casings, ammunition rounds and bullets.
Raleigh mass shooting: Boxes of ammo, rifles, pistols and letter found inside home of accused teen shooter
Hundreds of boxes of ammunition, multiple weapons and a letter describing his brother's death were found in Austin Thompson's home, according to search warrants obtained by WRAL News.
www.wral.com