2022 Raleigh Shootings
Mass Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Raleigh, North Carolina
TIME PERIOD
October 13, 2022
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
On October 13, 2022, a mass shooting occurred in the Hedingham neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to two others, including the shooter. The incident began around 5:00 p.m. when the accused, 15-year-old Austin Thompson, fatally shot his brother at their home before moving into the street, where he shot and killed a woman on her porch and critically injured another. Thompson continued his attack, killing an off-duty police officer and two additional women in separate locations along the Neuse River Trail. After a lengthy standoff with law enforcement, Thompson was apprehended at approximately 9:34 p.m. with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and he has since been transferred to a juvenile correctional facility for rehabilitation. The investigation revealed multiple crime scenes and involved various weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and hunting knife.
Austin Thompson's actions are speculated to be influenced by mental health issues, with some community members questioning the adequacy of mental health support systems. There is also speculation about the potential for a motive linked to family dynamics, given that he first killed his brother. Additionally, theories suggest that the choice of weapons and the nature of the attacks indicate premeditation rather than impulsive behavior.
The 2022 Raleigh Shootings: A Tragic Evening in North Carolina
A Chilling Night in Raleigh
On the evening of October 13, 2022, the idyllic tranquility of Raleigh, North Carolina, was shattered by a devastating mass shooting. In the Hedingham neighborhood, a series of violent acts left five people dead and two others injured, casting a long shadow over the community.
The accused perpetrator was a 15-year-old boy named Austin Thompson. Armed with a 20-gauge shotgun, a 9mm handgun, and a hunting knife, Thompson embarked on a chilling spree of violence that would capture national attention.
The Violent Rampage Unfolds
The horror began in a residential area near the Neuse River Trail around 5:00 p.m. Thompson's first victim was his own brother, whom he brutally murdered at home by shooting him in the head and stabbing him 57 times in the neck. From there, Thompson stepped out into the community, where his rampage continued. A woman was shot and killed on her porch, while another woman was critically wounded in the driveway of the same house.
As Thompson moved through the neighborhood, his next victim was an off-duty police officer, who was gunned down on the 6000 block of Osprey Drive. The violence didn't stop there. On the Neuse River Trail, a woman jogging and another walking her dog both fell victim to his gunfire.
In total, four crime scenes spanned two miles, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Police received the first emergency call at 5:13 p.m., and by 5:55 p.m., they announced an active shooter situation via Twitter. Residents were urged to stay indoors for their safety.
The Tense Manhunt
As law enforcement converged on the area, a police dog successfully tracked Thompson to a wooded area with two barn-like structures. At approximately 6:45 p.m., officers arrived, only to be met with gunfire that injured one of them. The officers returned fire, discharging an estimated 23 rounds at the building.
A perimeter was established around the location, and officers demanded that Thompson surrender. It wasn't until 9:34 p.m. that officers from the Selective Enforcement Unit breached the building, discovering Thompson inside with a gunshot wound to the head. He was swiftly transported to WakeMed for treatment.
Austin Thompson: The Perpetrator
Austin Thompson, just 15 years old at the time of the shooting, lived with his father and brother in Hedingham. A sophomore at Knightdale High School, Thompson's actions on that fateful day shocked all who knew him. The Wake County District Attorney soon announced plans to charge him as an adult, a decision underscored by the gravity of his crimes.
Initially reported in a "grave" condition, Thompson survived his injuries and was moved to a rehabilitation facility in November 2022. On November 11, he was formally charged with five counts of murder, among other serious charges. His father, meanwhile, faced legal repercussions for failing to properly store his firearms.
The Investigation
The investigation into the Raleigh shootings involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Governor Roy Cooper deployed state resources to assist in the investigation, emphasizing the community's need for answers.
A comprehensive "five-day report" was submitted to the Raleigh city manager on October 20, 2022, detailing the events of the tragic evening. The initial trial for Thompson was scheduled for September 2025 but was later rescheduled to February 2, 2026. Despite his age, Thompson was to be tried as an adult.
Community and National Reactions
The aftermath of the shootings saw the Hedingham community come together in mourning. Two vigils were held on October 15, honoring the lives lost. U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their grief alongside the victims' families. Governor Cooper called for changes to prevent future tragedies, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of the victims. Raleigh's Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin urged the community to support those affected by the horrific events, while other political figures echoed sentiments of sorrow and solidarity.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article.
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Mass Shooting Occurs
A mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood results in five deaths and two injuries.
First 911 Call
Police receive the first 911 call about the shooting at 5:13 p.m.
Police Engage Shooter
Police corner the shooter, Austin Thompson, who fires at officers, injuring one.
Shooter Apprehended
Austin Thompson is found and apprehended by police at 9:34 p.m. after sustaining a gunshot wound.
Thompson Moves to Rehab
Austin Thompson is moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility.
Court Appearance
Austin Thompson makes his first official court appearance, charged as an adult with multiple counts.
Father Pleads Guilty
The father of Austin Thompson pleads guilty to a firearms storage violation.
Trial Delayed
Trial for Austin Thompson is postponed until February 2026.
On October 13, 2022, a mass shooting occurred in the Hedingham neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to two others, including the shooter. The incident began around 5:00 p.m. when the accused, 15-year-old Austin Thompson, fatally shot his brother at their home before moving into the street, where he shot and killed a woman on her porch and critically injured another. Thompson continued his attack, killing an off-duty police officer and two additional women in separate locations along the Neuse River Trail. After a lengthy standoff with law enforcement, Thompson was apprehended at approximately 9:34 p.m. with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and he has since been transferred to a juvenile correctional facility for rehabilitation. The investigation revealed multiple crime scenes and involved various weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and hunting knife.
Austin Thompson's actions are speculated to be influenced by mental health issues, with some community members questioning the adequacy of mental health support systems. There is also speculation about the potential for a motive linked to family dynamics, given that he first killed his brother. Additionally, theories suggest that the choice of weapons and the nature of the attacks indicate premeditation rather than impulsive behavior.
The 2022 Raleigh Shootings: A Tragic Evening in North Carolina
A Chilling Night in Raleigh
On the evening of October 13, 2022, the idyllic tranquility of Raleigh, North Carolina, was shattered by a devastating mass shooting. In the Hedingham neighborhood, a series of violent acts left five people dead and two others injured, casting a long shadow over the community.
The accused perpetrator was a 15-year-old boy named Austin Thompson. Armed with a 20-gauge shotgun, a 9mm handgun, and a hunting knife, Thompson embarked on a chilling spree of violence that would capture national attention.
The Violent Rampage Unfolds
The horror began in a residential area near the Neuse River Trail around 5:00 p.m. Thompson's first victim was his own brother, whom he brutally murdered at home by shooting him in the head and stabbing him 57 times in the neck. From there, Thompson stepped out into the community, where his rampage continued. A woman was shot and killed on her porch, while another woman was critically wounded in the driveway of the same house.
As Thompson moved through the neighborhood, his next victim was an off-duty police officer, who was gunned down on the 6000 block of Osprey Drive. The violence didn't stop there. On the Neuse River Trail, a woman jogging and another walking her dog both fell victim to his gunfire.
In total, four crime scenes spanned two miles, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Police received the first emergency call at 5:13 p.m., and by 5:55 p.m., they announced an active shooter situation via Twitter. Residents were urged to stay indoors for their safety.
The Tense Manhunt
As law enforcement converged on the area, a police dog successfully tracked Thompson to a wooded area with two barn-like structures. At approximately 6:45 p.m., officers arrived, only to be met with gunfire that injured one of them. The officers returned fire, discharging an estimated 23 rounds at the building.
A perimeter was established around the location, and officers demanded that Thompson surrender. It wasn't until 9:34 p.m. that officers from the Selective Enforcement Unit breached the building, discovering Thompson inside with a gunshot wound to the head. He was swiftly transported to WakeMed for treatment.
Austin Thompson: The Perpetrator
Austin Thompson, just 15 years old at the time of the shooting, lived with his father and brother in Hedingham. A sophomore at Knightdale High School, Thompson's actions on that fateful day shocked all who knew him. The Wake County District Attorney soon announced plans to charge him as an adult, a decision underscored by the gravity of his crimes.
Initially reported in a "grave" condition, Thompson survived his injuries and was moved to a rehabilitation facility in November 2022. On November 11, he was formally charged with five counts of murder, among other serious charges. His father, meanwhile, faced legal repercussions for failing to properly store his firearms.
The Investigation
The investigation into the Raleigh shootings involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Governor Roy Cooper deployed state resources to assist in the investigation, emphasizing the community's need for answers.
A comprehensive "five-day report" was submitted to the Raleigh city manager on October 20, 2022, detailing the events of the tragic evening. The initial trial for Thompson was scheduled for September 2025 but was later rescheduled to February 2, 2026. Despite his age, Thompson was to be tried as an adult.
Community and National Reactions
The aftermath of the shootings saw the Hedingham community come together in mourning. Two vigils were held on October 15, honoring the lives lost. U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their grief alongside the victims' families. Governor Cooper called for changes to prevent future tragedies, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of the victims. Raleigh's Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin urged the community to support those affected by the horrific events, while other political figures echoed sentiments of sorrow and solidarity.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Mass Shooting Occurs
A mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood results in five deaths and two injuries.
First 911 Call
Police receive the first 911 call about the shooting at 5:13 p.m.
Police Engage Shooter
Police corner the shooter, Austin Thompson, who fires at officers, injuring one.
Shooter Apprehended
Austin Thompson is found and apprehended by police at 9:34 p.m. after sustaining a gunshot wound.
Thompson Moves to Rehab
Austin Thompson is moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility.
Court Appearance
Austin Thompson makes his first official court appearance, charged as an adult with multiple counts.
Father Pleads Guilty
The father of Austin Thompson pleads guilty to a firearms storage violation.
Trial Delayed
Trial for Austin Thompson is postponed until February 2026.