The gunman who killed 23 people in an attack on Latino shoppers at a Texas Walmart in 2019 has pleaded guilty to murder and been reprimanded by a judge for his racist attack in El Paso, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Patrick Crusius, a 26-year-old white college dropout, appeared in court in El Paso wearing a striped jumpsuit, handcuffs and a protective vest as scores of relatives of the victims waited in the courtroom to meet him face to face.
Crusius did not reach out to the families when he agreed to a plea deal that meant he avoided the death penalty.
He has already been sentenced to 90 life sentences on federal hate crime charges.
The plea agreement from Texas prosecutors marks the end of a six-year effort by both state and federal authorities to punish Crusius.
He traveled more than 700 miles from Dallas to carry out the shooting on August 3, 2019.
“You came to sow terror, to take innocent lives and to destroy a community that sought only kindness, unity and love,” said state District Judge Sam Medrano.
“You killed fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.
“Now, as you begin the rest of your life behind bars, remember: your mission has failed.
“You didn't tear this city apart, you made it stronger; you didn't silence it, you made it louder; you didn't spread fear, you created unity: El Paso rose up stronger and braver.”
“Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty and not for any other reason?” Judge Medrano asked the defendant.
“Yes, your honor,” Crusius replied calmly before he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
His lawyer Joe Spencer told the court: “We send our sincere condolences,” adding: “Patrick will only leave prison in a coffin when God allows.”
Crusius also pleaded guilty to 22 counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon, with findings of violence and bias, involving 22 victims who were injured but survived. He was sentenced to 22 additional life terms for those crimes.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
