Suspect in Texas Walmart massacre that left 23 dead in El Paso pleads guilty to 90 federal charges
Last edited Wed Feb 8, 2023, 08:53 PM - Edit history (1)
Source: CNN
El Paso, Texas CNN Patrick Crusius plead guilty to all federal charges on Wednesday, nearly three and a half years after the 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas one of the deadliest attacks on Latinos in modern US history. Crusius, 24, had pleaded not guilty in 2020 to the 90 federal charges he faces, including hate crimes resulting in death, use of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence, hate crimes involving attempt to kill, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
He was accused of killing 23 people in 2019 at a Walmart in El Paso. Wearing a navy jail jumpsuit and glasses while handcuffed, Crusius verbally pleaded guilty to each charge as the judge read the 90 counts aloud, a list that included the names of the deceased victims and wounded survivors. The guilty plea is part of a plea agreement in which the prosecution recommends 90 consecutive life sentences.
Crusius sat next to his attorneys as he repeatedly confirmed he understood the rights he was waiving with his guilty pleas. During the initial reading of the charges and explanation of his rights, Crusius largely kept his head down during the hearing, looking at the table in front of him.
He was asked to stand while giving his pleas and, as he admitted his guilt, multiple people in the audience could be seen wiping their eyes, but the crowd was silent. Dozens of family members of victims were in the audience. Were glad that it was finally done, defense attorney Joe Spencer told reporters after court. And hes glad that it was finally done. There are no winners in this case. Hes going to be serving 90 consecutive life sentences.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/08/us/el-paso-shooting-suspect-patrick-crusius-federal-plea/index.html
Article updated.
Original article -
Crusius, 24, had pleaded not guilty in 2020 to the 90 federal charges he faces, including hate crimes resulting in death, use of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence, hate crimes involving attempt to kill, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
He was accused of killing 23 people in 2019 at a Walmart in El Paso. Standing in a navy jumpsuit while handcuffed, Crusius verbally pleaded guilty to each charge as the judge read the 90 counts aloud, a list that included the names of the deceased victims and wounded survivors. Dozens of family members of victims were in the audience.
The guilty plea is part of a plea agreement in which the prosecution recommends 90 consecutive life sentences. Crusius repeatedly confirmed he understood the rights he was waiving with his guilty plea. After federal prosecutors stated last month they would not seek the death penalty, attorneys for Crusius filed a motion for a re-arraignment and indicated he would change his plea.
ornotna
(10,742 posts)The grow old part may be optional.
SoCalDavidS
(9,998 posts)I'm shocked that a backwards ass state like TX didn't give him the Death Penalty.
These charges were Federal.
ornotna
(10,742 posts)Like I said, the grow old part may be optional.
jmowreader
(50,419 posts)The feds offered a plea deal: guilty plea on all charges in exchange for no death penalty.
The state is seeking the death penalty.
Now for the question: if the state sentences him to death after the Feds sentence him to 90 consecutive LWOP terms, how does this work out? Is the federal system required to turn him over to Texas for execution?
LudwigPastorius
(8,892 posts)According to this article, the law says that a federal inmate may be turned over to state authorities if it is "appropriate, suitable, and in the publics best interest".
A transfer for execution was denied by the feds last year.
https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/federal-officials-refuse-to-transfer-prisoner-to-oklahoma-for-execution
However, the massive evidence against the offender in the El Paso shooting case may mean that he will get his ticket to the Texas needle punched.
SoCalDavidS
(9,998 posts)I suppose that Maybe he could win a House seat, depending upon the District, but he can forget about any office that requires a Statewide vote.
Torchlight
(3,205 posts)She responded, "I've always said that in politics, your enemies can't hurt you, but your friends will kill you."
SoCalDavidS
(9,998 posts)Torchlight
(3,205 posts)'More things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of', so to speak.