Overview
- Austin David Thompson, now 18, was sentenced Friday after pleading guilty to five murders and other charges from the Oct. 13, 2022 attack that killed an off-duty Raleigh police officer and his 16-year-old brother.
- Judge Paul Ridgeway imposed life without parole, declining the alternative of life with possible release consideration after at least 25 years.
- Prosecutors pointed to Thompson’s internet searches about shootings, weapons and police response to show premeditation, and the judge found the mitigation theory tied to acne medication unpersuasive.
- A handwritten note found at Thompson’s home said he hated humans for “destroying the planet” and that he killed his brother because he “would get in my way,” according to prosecutors.
- Thompson did not speak at sentencing as he was led away in handcuffs, and his attorneys announced plans to appeal.