Raleigh mass shooter's civil trial could be pushed to 2027

The civil lawsuit related to the 2022 Raleigh mass shooting could be delayed to 2027. 

The civil lawsuit names Austin Thompson, his parents, the Hedingham HOA and the security company. The families of those whom Thompson shot are claiming that those entities failed to prevent the attack that left five people dead and two others wounded.

The trial was set to start on July 6, but a motion filed on Tuesday requested it be continued on Jan. 11, 2027, to allow for additional time for discovery and a chance to discuss "further settlement opportunities." 

Both sides voluntarily met with a mediator on March 27, but court documents show that the case was at an "impasse" as of April 1. 

All parties are expected to meet in May for a hearing regarding the motion. 

Attorneys for the families have argued that the HOA and Thompson's parents knew he posed a threat and did nothing. According to the lawsuit, the victims had filed complaints against Thompson days before the shooting.  

In February, Thompson was sentenced to life in prison without parole, weeks after he pleaded guilty to committing the mass shooting when he was 15 years old. 

Records show that now-18-year-old Thompson was moved to restrictive housing at Central Prison.

Lawyers for Thompson are expected to appeal his conviction.