Patrick Crusius, the gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack at a Walmart in El Paso, pleaded guilty to capital murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He targeted Hispanic shoppers in the massacre, which was one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. Local prosecutors decided not to pursue the death penalty, a decision supported by the majority of victims’ relatives who wanted the case to be over. Crusius had already been sentenced to 90 consecutive life terms at the federal level for hate crimes and weapons charges.
During the court hearing, Crusius appeared expressionless and was heavily guarded. Victims’ families were present in the gallery, and they will have the opportunity to give victim impact statements if the plea arrangement proceeds. Crusius, who is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, has a history of mental illness.
The victims of the Walmart shooting ranged in age and background, including immigrants, retirees, and Mexican nationals on routine shopping trips. The attack occurred after Crusius posted a racist rant online warning of a Hispanic “invasion.” He was arrested shortly after the shooting, which devastated the community of El Paso and shone a light on the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States.
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