Parents of accused North Carolina shooter express sorrow

The mother and father of a 15-year-old boy accused of killing 5 folks in a North Carolina taking pictures rampage launched an announcement Tuesday saying they’re “overcome with grief” and noticed no warning indicators earlier than the killings.

Alan and Elise Thompson issued the assertion by a lawyer that acknowledges the ache brought on by their son, Austin, and expresses grief for the 5 killed on Thursday, together with their different teenage son, 16-year-old James. Witnesses described in 911 calls that the shooter opened hearth with a shotgun in a neighborhood northeast of downtown Raleigh and alongside an adjoining strolling path.

“Our son Austin inflicted immeasurable ache on the Raleigh neighborhood, and we’re overcome with grief for the harmless lives misplaced,” the assertion mentioned.

The assertion mentioned they’ll totally cooperate with legislation enforcement to assist investigators perceive what occurred, however they’ve questions themselves. Authorities haven’t mentioned a motive for the taking pictures.

“There have been by no means any indications or warning indicators that Austin was able to doing something like this,” the assertion mentioned.

Reached by telephone Tuesday evening, Elise Thompson declined to remark outdoors of the assertion.

Austin Thompson stays hospitalized in essential situation following his arrest on Thursday evening, hours after the taking pictures started.

The Wake County prosecutor has mentioned she is going to pursue grownup prices towards the suspect. Authorities had beforehand recognized the shooter as a 15-year-old boy however had not publicly launched the title.

Callers who dialed 911 through the taking pictures rampage described encountering our bodies on the streets or entrance yards of their neighborhood and alongside a path common with runners and bikers, in keeping with recordings launched by authorities. Witnesses mentioned shooter was carrying camouflage and utilizing a shotgun within the assaults that started shortly after 5 p.m.

The taking pictures drew officers from quite a few businesses to the neighborhood because the suspect eluded seize for a number of hours. The victims, ranging in age from 16 to their late 50s and had been felled going about their day by day routines, police and family members mentioned. Amongst these killed was an off-duty police officer. Along with these killed, two others had been wounded.