News Summary

In Raleigh, North Carolina, two men were shot late Monday night at a Shell gas station, just before the anniversary of a tragic mass shooting. One victim is in life-threatening condition, while the second is expected to recover. No arrests have been made as authorities investigate the incident. This shooting occurs during a memorial honoring Officer Gabriel Torres, killed in a previous shooting. The city continues to grapple with gun violence and its impacts on community safety.

Raleigh, North Carolina – Two Men Shot at Shell Gas Station; Commemorates Third Anniversary of Officer Gabriel Torres’ Death

Incident Details and Immediate Response

Late Monday night in Raleigh, North Carolina, two men were shot at a Shell gas station located on the 1800 block of New Bern Avenue near Raleigh Boulevard. The shooting occurred just before 11:45 p.m., prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. Officers arrived at the scene to find one man with a gunshot wound, who was immediately transported to a nearby hospital with injuries classified as life-threatening. A second individual, also shot, arrived at the same hospital later and is expected to recover from his injuries.

At present, no arrests have been made in connection with this incident, and officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootings. Authorities have not identified any suspects or provided a motive for the violence, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their inquiry.

Background Context: The Third Anniversary of a Tragic Mass Shooting

The shooting at the Shell gas station coincides roughly with the three-year anniversary of a devastating mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood of Raleigh. That incident resulted in the deaths of five individuals and left two others injured, marking one of the city’s most tragic moments in recent history. This anniversary was marked by a commemorative ceremony honoring the victims and first responders involved in that event.

Memorial for Officer Gabriel Torres

In remembrance of Raleigh Police Officer Gabriel Torres, who was killed on October 13, 2022, during a shooting in Hedingham, law enforcement officials held a wreath-laying ceremony. The officer was preparing to go to work when the incident occurred, and his death sparked widespread mourning across the community. During the memorial, officials paid tribute to Officer Torres’s service and sacrifice, reaffirming the department’s commitment to community safety.

Details on the Suspect and Legal Proceedings

The suspect believed to be responsible for the Hedingham mass shooting is 15-year-old Austin Thompson. He is currently in custody and awaiting trial set for February 2026. Thompson faces multiple charges, including five counts of murder, along with additional charges related to the three other victims—his older brother James Thompson, 16, and three women—Susan Karnatz, 49, Nicole Connors, 52, and Mary Marshall, 34.

Court documents reveal that the defense plans to argue diminished capacity due to prescriptions for medication. The trial will proceed without the possibility of a death penalty, as federal law prohibits execution for individuals under 18 at the time of the crime. Despite claims of a brain injury, the court has found Thompson competent to stand trial.

Authorities conducted a search warrant which uncovered multiple firearms and $772 cash in a shed where Thompson was said to have hidden after the shooting. These findings suggest premeditation and planning related to the attack.

Related Legal Action Against the Shooter’s Father

In September, Alan Thompson, the father of the suspect, pled guilty to misdemeanor charges concerning the improper storage of firearms accessible to a minor. This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun safety and law enforcement efforts to prevent youth access to firearms.

Additional Context and Ongoing Investigations

The investigation into the recent shooting at the Shell gas station remains active, with authorities seeking witnesses or evidence to determine the motives and identify any suspects involved. Community safety remains a priority, especially as the city observes the anniversary of past tragedies and continues efforts to prevent future violence.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• ABC11: Raleigh Police Remember Fallen Officer
• Google Search: Raleigh Police Department
• WRAL: Three Years Since Hedingham Mass Shooting
• Wikipedia: Mass Shooting in the United States
• CBS17: Three Years After Hedingham Mass Shooting
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
• Spectrum Local News: Hedingham Shooting Anniversary
• Google News: Hedingham Shooting Anniversary

Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER

RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.