EL PASO, Texas – The man behind one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, which killed 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso in 2019, has now pleaded guilty to capital murder in a state court. Patrick Crusius, who had previously admitted to targeting Hispanic shoppers, will now spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.
This decision comes after El Paso County prosecutors removed the death penalty from consideration, influenced largely by the wishes of many victims’ families, who said they wanted the case to end.
A Tragic Day in El Paso
The shooting happened on August 3, 2019, in a Walmart located near the U.S.-Mexico border. Crusius, then just 21 years old, drove over 700 miles from Dallas, armed with an AK-style rifle, and opened fire on weekend shoppers from both the U.S. and Mexico.
Shortly before the attack, he posted a racist manifesto online, referring to a “Hispanic invasion”, which confirmed his hate-filled motive.
The victims included people of all ages – from a 15-year-old student to elderly grandparents, immigrants, Mexican nationals, and everyday workers like teachers and bus drivers. Several victims had simply crossed the border for routine shopping.
Sentencing and Courtroom Details
Crusius entered his guilty plea at the El Paso County courthouse on Monday under heavy security. Dressed in a striped jumpsuit, shackles, and a protective vest, he remained expressionless during the hearing.
Following the plea, he was automatically sentenced to life without parole. Victims’ families gathered in the courtroom and will be allowed to give impact statements, sharing how the tragedy changed their lives. A similar session in federal court in 2023 lasted three days due to the number of emotional testimonies.
Crusius has already received 90 consecutive life sentences at the federal level, after pleading guilty to hate crimes and firearms charges last year.
Defense and Mental Health Claims
Joe Spencer, the defense attorney, said the plea agreement provides “judicial finality”, avoiding further trauma for the community and the families.
He also revealed that Crusius has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a mental illness involving hallucinations, delusions, and mood swings.
“You are talking about an individual with a broken brain,” Spencer said.
“Patrick will leave prison only in a coffin on God’s time.”