RALEIGH, N.C. – In a shocking turn of events, a new search warrant has been made public, shedding light on the possessions of Austin Thompson, the suspect of the Hedingham mass shooting. The horrific incident took place on October 13, 2022, when a 15-year-old Thompson initiated the killing spree by murdering his brother at their residence. He then proceeded to shoot two women in the neighborhood streets before targeting Officer Gabriel Torres as the officer was en route to begin his shift with the Raleigh Police Department.
Following the rampage, Raleigh Police Department officers embarked on an extensive search, ultimately locating Thompson near McConnell Oliver Drive at approximately 6:45 p.m. Video evidence captured the moment when the officers confronted Thompson and subsequently engaged in a firefight, leaving Thompson critically injured. Upon his hospitalization at WakeMed, authorities discovered that Thompson was in possession of $772, multiple firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, “projectiles,” a knife, boots, and a backpack filled with miscellaneous items.
As Thompson’s case unfolded, it was revealed nearly a year after the tragedy that he would be tried as an adult. In response to the devastating loss of lives, the community gathered to hold a vigil honoring the deceased, including James Thompson (his brother), Officer Gabriel Torres, Mary Marshall, Nicole Connors, and Susan Karnartz. Survivors of the shooting, such as Lynn Gardner, recounted their ordeals, with Gardner expressing ongoing physical and emotional challenges stemming from the incident. The vigil not only commemorated the lives lost but also served as a somber reminder of the profound impact of such senseless violence.
Amidst the ongoing revelations surrounding the Hedingham mass shooting, the public seeks to understand the underlying factors contributing to such a tragic event and grapples with the long-lasting effects on the victims and their families.