Executive Summary
- Austin Thompson’s sentencing hearing for the 2022 Raleigh mass shooting has entered its fourth day.
- Prosecutors presented a handwritten note found at the scene reading, "James dead inside don’t look."
- Investigators reviewed the shooter’s Google search history from before and after the attack.
- Thompson’s father testified that he remains stunned and does not understand his son’s motive.
The sentencing hearing for Austin Thompson, who pleaded guilty to the October 2022 mass shooting in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood, entered its fourth day on Friday in Wake County court. Prosecutors continued to present evidence regarding the attack that left five people dead, including the shooter’s brother, as the court weighs the final penalty following his admission of guilt.
During Thursday’s proceedings, the state introduced significant physical evidence, including a handwritten note found inside the Thompson family home. The note, marked as evidence placard #28, read, "James dead inside don’t look." Investigators also provided details regarding Thompson’s digital footprint, testifying about his Google search history in the months leading up to the violence and in the hours immediately following the event. A video caption presented in court reportedly indicated the shooter "had no regrets" regarding his actions.
The court heard emotional testimony from the defendant’s father, Alan Thompson, on Thursday. He expressed profound shock at the tragedy, stating that he remains unable to understand why his son would commit such an act of mass violence. This followed earlier testimony from the defendant’s mother, Elise Thompson, who appeared before the court on Wednesday.
Friday’s session is expected to involve a more granular examination of Thompson’s internet search history. Defense attorneys have indicated they have questions for the investigators and plan to cross-examine witnesses regarding the digital evidence presented by the state.
Judicial Proceedings Update
The ongoing hearing is a critical phase in the judicial process, designed to determine the appropriate sentence following the defendant’s guilty plea. By examining aggravating factors—such as the handwritten note and search history—and potential mitigating circumstances, the court aims to render a judgment that aligns with state sentencing guidelines for multiple counts of murder. While the guilt of the defendant has been established through his plea, the sentencing phase ensures that all evidence is formally reviewed to establish the legal record for the final ruling.
