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The Raleigh teen accused of killing five people and injuring two others in a mass shooting spree in October 2022 will claim that a prescription medicine contributed to his actions, according to a court filing in his case.


Raleigh mass shooting suspect's defense will blame medication use, 'diminished capacity'

THE UNIVERSITY. MUCH MORE ON THIS ON WRAL COM. >> FRANKLY, THANKS VERY MUCH. THIS IS BRIAN SHRADER IN THE WRAL LIVE CENTER WITH BREAKING NEWS. WE'RE LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE DEFENSE OF THE SUSPECT WHO IS CHARGED WITH KILLING 5 PEOPLE IN THAT MASS SHOOTING IN THE HEDINGHAM NEIGHBORHOOD IN RALEIGH BACK IN 2022, WE JUST FOUND THIS COURT DOCUMENT FROM AUSTIN, THOMPSON'S ATTORNEYS SAYING THAT HE INTENDS TO USE DIMINISHED CAPACITY AND VOLUNTARY INTOXICATION DUE TO THERAPEUTIC DOSES. THE PRESCRIBED MEDICATION IN HIS DEFENSE IN THAT TRIAL. OF COURSE. REMEMBER, THIS ALL HAPPENED BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2022. POLICE SAY THAT AUSTIN THOMPSON, WHO WAS 15 AT THE TIME KILLED 5 PEOPLE, INCLUDING HIS BROTHER AND A RALEIGH POLICE OFFICER. HE HAS BEEN WAY AWAITING TRIAL HERE. HE SUFFERED A BRAIN INJURY. HE WAS FOUND WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND TO HIS HEAD LATER THAT NIGHT. AND THAT TRIAL NOW IS SET TO TAKE PLACE IN FEBRUARY OF 2026. WITH MAJOR DEVELOPMENT HERE LEARNING WHAT HIS DEFENSE IS GOING TO BE. OF COURSE,

Austin Thompson

Hedingham shooting suspect claiming intoxication from prescription meds

Accused Hedingham shooter's first court appearance

NC State says Monsanto is to blame for Poe Hall contamination, files multimillion-dollar lawsuit

Poe Hall at NC State

Fall weather is back: Cold front brings us sweater weather 

Wednesday night forecast

'Such a difficult problem': UNC professor talks possible solutions after Outer Banks homes collapse

More Outer Banks homes collapse into ocean

'I was forced to do it': Boyfriend accused of killing girlfriend speaks in court

Hariston Jose UreÃ±a-Morales

Federal shutdown will affect some NC schools, officials monitoring possible impact on meals

Desks in a classroom

3 killed in Southport shooting were from NC, OH, VA

Southport shooting memorial

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President Donald Trump and top health officials heralded their drug pricing deal with Pfizer on Tuesday as a breakthrough that would save money for American patients struggling with prescription drug costs.

How Trump's Online Drugstore May Affect Your Drug Costs

What is 'Trump RX'?

Beech Mountain Ski Resort season announced it will open on Nov. 22, weather permitting. Appalachian Ski Mountain plans to open Nov. 21 with the opening dates for other North Carolina ski resorts yet to be announced. 

NC ski resorts: Here's when Beech Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain will open for 2025-26 season

Skiers line up on Dec. 22, 2024, at the base of Beech Mountain.

Durham police have arrested Jose Guzman, a 42-year-old Raleigh man and owner of JCG Remodeling LLC, on two counts of second-degree forcible rape and one count of first-degree kidnapping stemming from two alleged sexual assaults in July 2025.

Raleigh man charged with rape, kidnapping in two alleged July sexual assaults

Jose Guzman, 42, is charged with two counts of second-degree forcible rape and one count of first-degree kidnapping stemming from two sexual assaults.

Zebulon's new $17 million fire and EMS station promises faster response times for a rapidly growing east Wake area.


$17M fire and EMS station in Zebulon will help keep booming east Wake population safe

Zebulon firefighters break ground on a new fire and EMS headquarters.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill community filled up the walkways and grass of the university as people rally in support of a professor accused of being affiliated with an anti-fascist organization.


Supporters of UNC professor back his right of free speech at campus rally after his suspension

"Reinstate Dixon" sign written by a protestor ahead of rally in support of Dwayne Dixon

The North Carolina State Fair has more than 85 new foods. Which new food are you? Take our quiz below to find out.



Quiz: Which new NC State Fair food are you?

Officials said in a statment to employees on Tuesday, the company fell short of the 2025 financial plan. This move aims to reduce costs and streamline operations.


Blue Cross NC to offer voluntary separation packages amid financial challenges

Blue Cross Blue Shield 

Duke Energy's new 15-year plan extends coal, adds more gas, and slows solar after NC scrapped its 2030 carbon mandate, raising questions about climate progress.


Duke Energy '2025 Carolinas' plan includes more gas, delayed coal retirements

State Senate set to consider veto override for Duke Energy Bill this week

Retired Nash County K-9 Orca Katargo, a human remains detection dog, passed away in September at the age of 9 after a sudden ruptured tumor.

'She was my heart dog': Mourning cadaver dog involved in memorable searches 

Retired Nash County K-9 Orca Katargo, a human remains detection dog, passed away in September. Photo courtesy of the Nash County Sheriff's Office.

The United States federal government shut down in the early morning of Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass funding for federal programs and services.

Federal government shutdown: Live fact-checks as Democrats, GOP spar over health care, layoffs

Chuck Schumer

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The law requires agencies to furlough their "non-excepted" employees. Excepted employees, who include those who work to protect life and property, stay on the job but don't get paid until after the shutdown ends.

What happens now that a government shutdown is underway

Congress_Shutdown_29564

A golf tournament and dinner in Raleigh on Monday will raise awareness and funds for mental health in memory of Grayson Murray, a local professional golfer who died in 2024.


Raleigh charity golf event honors Grayson Murray, raises mental health awareness

Grayson Murray's Legacy Inspires Mental Health Awareness at Raleigh Golf Championship

More unoccupied homes crashed into the ocean on Sept. 30, 2025, in Buxton, bringing the total to 18 homes that have collapsed during the last five years in the Rodanthe and Buxton area. Photos: Donny Bowers

Photos: More Outer Banks homes collapse into the ocean 

A barbecue donut, pickle juice popsicles and cotton candy iced tea are among the 86 new foods coming to the North Carolina State Fair for 2025.

New NC State Fair foods for 2025 include hot Cheetos pickle pizza, BBQ doughnuts

New NC State Fair foods for 2025

Jimmy Fallon is launching a new reality series on NBC called "On Brand," which integrates a marketing agency concept with reality television. 

North Carolina native to compete for $100K on Jimmy Fallon's new NBC show 'On Brand'

Cumberland County native BT Hale is competing in NBC's "On Brand" show.

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President Donald Trump and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla announced that the drugmaker will drop its prices for Medicaid pateints and guarantee that pricing on newly launched drugs.

Questions remain after fight at Durham high school

Expert points to erosion as houses collapse in Outer Banks, says there is no clear solution

Nash County community mourns K-9 involved in memorable searches

Bill Belichick-Dabo Swinney matchup, the 'noise' around Dave Doeren

WRAL's Pat Welter and Mark Bergin discuss UNC hosting Clemson on Saturday.

5 On Your Side examines the impacts of the federal government shutdown

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New law allows NC pharmacists to test, treat flu without prescription

Local News

Triangle Race for the Cure will be held in Durham in 2026

Duke alumna Anna Menon preps for history joining NASA's 2025 astronaut class

Viral search carries on at NC Lowe's for missing beloved Richmond cat, owners offering $2k reward

Eric Church to speak at UNC-Chapel Hill's spring graduation

Jane Goodall, Eminent Primatologist Who Chronicled the Lives of Chimps, Dies at 91

Nation/World

Residents of a NYC public housing tower escape unharmed after a massive chimney collapses

Rescuers in desperate search after a powerful earthquake hit the Philippines, killing at least 69

Israel orders Palestinians to leave Gaza City, saying those who stay will be considered militants

Trump calls for using US cities as a 'training ground' for military in unusual speech to generals

Discover 7 fascinating historical sites in North Carolina

NC Flag

Selma Railroad Days Festival to feature carnival rides, parade

Selma Railroad Days (Courtesy photo)

100+ events in NC to enjoy this October

October events in North Carolina

Weekend best bets: Triangle Oktoberfest, Falling for Local fest

Triangle Oktoberfest

Out & About

Fact-checking claims that Erika Kirk's charity is tied to trafficking

Politifact

Fact-checking claims about Tylenol's 2017 social media post and pregnancy guidance

Fact check: Noem says 1.6 million immigrants have 'voluntarily' left the U.S.

Fact-checking Trump's claims about the economy, foreign wars in United Nations speech

Fact-check: Is Charlie Kirk's shooting suspect a registered Republican who donated to Trump?

Millions in NC on Obamacare, Medicaid affected by budget fights

NC Capitol

Why a federal judge ruled NC Senate map is fair game

THC-infused treats spook state leaders, with Halloween just around the corner

Stein signs bills loosening DMV rules, funding disaster relief and Lenovo Center

Republicans prevail in racial gerrymandering lawsuit targeting NC Senate maps

Students, faculty rally for suspended UNC professor

Education

NC education board again set to discuss failing grades, attendance policies

UNC students plan protest to support professor on leave for alleged affiliation with anti-fascist organization

Fight between more than a dozen people on Durham high school's campus didn't involve students

Durham County deputies respond to large fight at Southern High School

CJF America sends partial payment to worker amid lawsuit and executives evading police

WRAL In Depth

NC lawmakers wanted to make COVID shots easier to get. Why the law they passed did the opposite

NC officials begin process to help thousands of state workers switch doctors, as Duke negotiations sour

Former NCGOP director to lead 'election integrity' efforts, serve as election board liaison, says NC Auditor

Why Duke QB Darian Mensah was part of the conversation about new NC children's hospital

College football picks: The discussion has turned to parity, close games and upsets

WRALSportsFan

Dabo Swinney relishes the chance to face Bill Belichick despite a matchup that has lost its luster

Rookie Dillon Gabriel selected as Browns starting QB after Joe Flacco is benched

Minnesota Wild sign Kirill Kaprizov to richest deal in NHL history: $136 million over 8 years

UNC coach Bill Belichick discusses preps for Saturday's game against Clemson

Alpaca Game of the Week to feature a top 20 matchup between Leesville Road and Millbrook

HighSchoolOT

HighSchoolOT's Male and Female Athletes of the Week for September 22-27

Meet the best volleyball team in NC that you have never heard of

The Starting 22: Best players from Week 6 of the North Carolina high school football season

How Felton Grove, in its first year, is a state championship threat in girls golf

A former employee of Durham-based CJF America, which faces lawsuits and criminal charges over accusations of not paying employees, says he finally received a partial payment.

CJF America sends partial payment to worker amid lawsuit

As sea levels rise at an increasing rate, oceanfront homes in the Outer Banks, particularly Buxton, face an increased risk of collapse.

High surf could topple more Outer Banks homes

Cleaning needed! WRAL's 5 On Your Side shows where health inspectors found restaurants in need of a deep kitchen cleaning. 

Restaurant Ratings: Benny Capitale's, Bojangles, Jamaica Jamaica

A fight between health care giants, Duke and Aetna, is worrying state leaders more and more. Duke Health and Aetna have a deadline of Oct. 20 to come to an agreement. Otherwise, those with Aetna would no longer be covered at Duke Health facilities.

Thousands of state workers might need to find new doctors, NC officials fear

CJF America President Kristen Picot missed her second straight court date on misdemeanor worthless check charges, with her attorney stating she was hospitalized in Raleigh.

CJF America president misses court for second time in as many weeks, attorney says she's hospitalized

Kristen Picot, president of the Durham-based nonprofit CJF America, is facing four misdemeanor charges for "simple worthless checks."

North Carolina lawmakers have failed to approve the necessary state funding for Medicaid before the Oct. 1 deadline, risking higher medical bills and possible loss of coverage for tens of thousands of people.

Deadline approaching for Medicaid funding with NC lawmakers at a standstill

WRAL Specialists

5 On Your Side: High lead levels found in three major food recalls in September

5 On Your Side: Three recalls for major foods containing lead

5 On Your Side: Alerting customers about unexpected charges from Lasta Fitness app

5OYS: Alerting customers about unexpected charges from Lasta Fitness app 

5 On Your Side

CJF America president misses court again, attorney says she's hospitalized

Two execs from Durham-based company charged in fraud investigation

Durham police charge two in CJF America fraud investigation

7 teens found after they escaped from Raleigh mental health facility

Investigations

Grace Ueng: What will you remember at 90?

Video gamer Electronic Arts to be bought in largest-ever private equity buyout valued at $55 billion

Tom Snyder: When the algorithm is the censor, free speech is at risk

The Fed's dual mandate: Keep unemployment, inflation low

WRAL TechWire

Wall Street sets more records, but bond yields drop following discouraging data on the job market

How Social Security Will Be Affected by a Government Shutdown

Nike's Sales Show Improvement; Tariffs Expected to Cost $1.5 Billion

58M pounds of corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products recalled because wood pieces may be inside

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Local kindergartener hears clearly for the first time thanks to innovative ear surgery

Family

FDA authorizes first eyeglass lenses to slow nearsightedness in children in the US

NC State Fair teases new rides, attractions

Marbles Kids Museum shows off new 'Futuropolis' play exhibit, coming in 2026

Go Ask Dad: The walk home

HOT Amazon Deals: Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner only $149 (50% off), Amazon Smart Plug only $12.99 (48% off), Fire TV Sticks up to 50% off starting at $17.99, Prime Day event Oct. 7-8

SmartShopper

List of top grocery deals valid Oct. 1-7

Time to activate your Food Lion Shop & Earn offers for October

Walmart Deals: Heavy Duty 4-Shelf Unit, Mixing Bowls Set, Play-Doh, Nerf Dog Ball, Event coming Oct. 7-12

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