Raleigh, N.C. — Jasmin Torres, the widow of a Raleigh police officer slain in a devastating mass shooting, has been granted worker’s compensation benefits after a prolonged legal battle. This decision comes nearly two years after Officer Gabriel Torres was killed in his own neighborhood while en route to his duty.
On October 13, 2022, as Officer Torres was driving to work from his home in the Hedingham neighborhood, tragedy struck when a 15-year-old assailant opened fire, killing him and four others. The incident left the city in shock and sparked a broader conversation about the safety of officers both on and off duty.
The case hinged on whether Officer Torres was considered “on duty” as he was traveling to work in civilian clothing and using his personal vehicle. Despite initial hesitations, the North Carolina Industrial Commission ruled in favor of Jasmin Torres, acknowledging that the officer was indeed acting in his official capacity when he responded to reports of gunfire, a revelation made during a critical phone call with his wife just minutes before the fatal shooting.
According to documents from the commission, dated February 3, Jasmin Torres will receive $321.48 weekly for 500 weeks, an arrangement that will continue until their daughter reaches the age of 18. The decision reflects a recognition of the unique risks law enforcement personnel face, blurring the traditional lines between personal time and duty.
The discussions at the heart of this case were intensified by comments from Rick Armstrong of the Raleigh Police Protective Association, who stressed the importance of recognizing all aspects of law enforcement roles, including the times officers are in transit but still prepared to act in their official roles. “Whenever an officer is performing their duty, irrespective of their location or attire, they should rightfully receive all due benefits,” Armstrong argued.
The tragic events of that day also highlighted the risks families of police officers endure. Jasmin Torres, speaking at her husband’s funeral, shared a heart-wrenching recount of their last conversation and the harrowing moments following the incident. This personal account added a poignant layer to the complex discussions around worker’s compensation for law enforcement officers.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the state’s legislative response has been noteworthy. House Bill 363, named the Gabe Torres Act, has been introduced with the aim of expanding death benefits to include public safety workers killed or injured while commuting or engaged in any duty-related activities. This legislative move seeks to provide better security and peace of mind for the families of those who serve and protect the community.
Meanwhile, Austin Thompson, the accused shooter, remains in custody, with a proposed trial date set for September 22, 2025. His legal representatives have requested a postponement to 2026, citing his brain injury and the voluminous evidence involved in the case.
This ruling not only underscores the often-overlooked risks that law enforcement officers face but also sets a precedent for how off-duty incidents are recognized under worker’s compensation laws. As lawmakers and law enforcement advocate for these protections, the hope remains that no other family will endure the prolonged uncertainty that the Torres family faced.