RALEIGH, N.C. – In a significant development, the Wake County District Attorney’s Office has announced that the teenager charged in the October 13, 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh will be tried as an adult. Austin Thompson, who was only 15 years old during the shootings, is facing murder charges in the deaths of his brother James Thompson, Officer Gabriel Torres, Mary Marshall, Nicole Connors, and Susan Karnartz. Thompson has already been indicted by a grand jury.

The tragic incident took place in the Hedingham Community, where Thompson allegedly went on a shooting spree, gunning down five people. The decision to try Thompson as an adult was met with relief and support from the community, including Robert Steele, whose fiancé Mary Marshall was one of the victims. Steele expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating that it was not only the right one but also a necessary step towards achieving closure for the victims’ families.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman emphasized the importance of transparency in such a high-profile case that has deeply impacted the community. Freeman believes that allowing the public to follow the proceedings will help people understand what is happening and provide them with a sense of closure.

Thompson is also facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon for the injuries sustained by Marcille Lynn Gardner. Additionally, he is charged with assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer for the injuries sustained by Raleigh Officer C. Clark. In a separate development, Alan Thompson, who is related to Austin, has been cited for a misdemeanor charge of storing a firearm in a manner accessible to a minor.

The trial will lay bare the details of the case, as prosecutors are expected to present evidence of Thompson’s alleged actions. This trial represents a significant step towards bringing justice for the victims and their families, and the public’s interest in the case is expected to remain intense.

In summary, the Wake County District Attorney’s Office has announced that Austin Thompson, the teenager charged in the October 13 mass shooting in Raleigh, will be tried as an adult. He is facing murder charges for the deaths of five people, including his brother and a police officer. The decision to try Thompson as an adult aims to provide transparency and closure for the community. The trial will also address additional charges related to attempted murder and assault.