James Roger Thompson, a 16-year-old male from Raleigh, North Carolina, tragically passed away on October 13, 2022. He was a junior at Knightdale High School and had a passion for deep sea fishing, playing basketball, and gaming on his PS4. James was known for his love of visiting amusement parks, sporting events, and spending time at the beach and mountains. He is survived by his parents, Alan C.
Thompson and Elise Enders Thompson, and his brother, Austin.
The circumstances surrounding James Roger Thompson's death were part of a larger, tragic event. On October 13, 2022, a mass shooting occurred in Raleigh, North Carolina, where five people were killed, including James Roger Thompson. The suspect, Austin Thompson, who was 15 years old at the time, is facing multiple charges, including five counts of murder. The victims of the shooting ranged in age from 16 to 52, and the incident took place in the Hedingham neighborhood and along the Neuse River greenway trail.
Austin Thompson, the suspect, is being tried as an adult for the charges related to the mass shooting. The charges include five counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury, and one count of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer. The suspect's father, Alan Thompson, has also been charged with a misdemeanor offense for storing a firearm in a manner accessible to a minor.
The investigation revealed that the killing rampage began when Austin Thompson shot and stabbed his 16-year-old brother, James Roger Thompson, in their East Raleigh neighborhood. The suspect then proceeded to shoot multiple neighbors, including an off-duty police officer who was on his way to work.
The tragic events of October 13, 2022, have left the Raleigh community grieving and mourning the loss of James Roger Thompson and the other victims. The case continues to unfold as the legal proceedings move forward, with the suspect facing serious charges in adult court.
