Alleged Hedingham killer faces five murder charges as he moves up to adult court

Just days before the one-year anniversary of the Hedingham mass shooting, the alleged shooter is now facing charges in superior court.

On Wednesday, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman announced that Austin Thompson is charged with five counts of murder in the deaths of his brother James Roger Thompson, Gabriel Torres, Mary Elizabeth Marshall, Nicole Connors and Susan Karnatz.

Thompson is also charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury for the injuries sustained by Marcille Lynn Gardner. Thompson is also charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury, and assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer for the injuries sustained by Officer C. Clark of the Raleigh police.

This announcement comes one week after Freeman told The News & Observer she did not anticipate movement in the case until after the anniversary of the shooting.

Alan Thompson, Austin’s father, cited

Thompson’s father, handyman Alan Thompson, was also cited by the Raleigh police for one count of storing a firearm in a manner accessible to a minor in a Class 1 misdemeanor.

This is the first indication given by the court system that at least one of the guns used in the shooting belonged to Alan Thompson. A date for Alan Thompson to appear in court has not yet been set, according to Freeman.

Austin Thompson allegedly used two guns in the deadly shooting — a shotgun and a handgun — as well as a large hunting knife.

Austin was a 15-year-old high school student last Oct. 13 when he allegedly killed five people, including his 16-year-old brother and a police officer, in and near his Raleigh golf course community.

After the shootings, Austin fled on foot to a barn-like structure off of McConnell Oliver Drive — about a mile northeast of the neighborhood.

He then exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, injuring police officer Clark.

When Austin was taken into custody just after 9:30 p.m., he was suffering from a single gunshot wound. He was taken to WakeMed, where he remained in critical condition for several days.

Freeman said she could not comment on Austin’s condition, even though his case has been elevated to superior court. She also declined to comment about the potential for Thompson to be deemed unfit to stand trial.

The News & Observer reached out to Alan Thompson for comment but has not heard back.

Why is Austin Thompson being charged now?

Because of his age at the time of the shooting, Thompson’s initial case was processed in juvenile court, where case information is legally sealed off to the public.

For the past year, Freeman has been unable to comment on the case due to privacy laws.

“While this case remains in juvenile court, the law prohibits us from discussing it,” Freeman told The N&O in February.

However, now that the case has entered superior court, Thompson, now 16, will be tried as an adult, and his case may be discussed with the general public.

“These rules are in place to preserve the general presumption of innocence. It is not some desire to hide information. These rules are in place to protect the integrity of the court,” Freeman said in February.

What happens next?

On Wednesday, Freeman told The N&O that Austin Thompson appeared in superior court in person this morning. Public defender Deonte’ Thomas has been appointed to represent him. The N&O has reached out to the Public Defender’s Office and has not heard back.

“This is the beginning of the process,” she said.

Next, Thompson’s case will be heard on Nov. 6 to schedule further hearings. Freeman said she expects a bond hearing to be held in the coming weeks, but could not yet specify a date.

She expects the jury trial against Thompson to be scheduled for next fall. Freeman would not comment on if she has any interest in offering a plea deal to Thompson.

Under North Carolina law, juveniles accused of crimes must be held in juvenile facilities until they turn 18 — even if their case has been moved to superior court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.