A self-proclaimed white supremacist who killed 23 people at a Texas Walmart in 2019 received 90 consecutive life sentences on Friday in federal court.
Patrick Crusius, 24, pleaded guilty earlier this year to committing the mass shooting in El Paso that also left dozens injured. Though 23 of the convictions were hate crime charges, the El Paso Times reported that the U.S. Attorney’s Office opted against pursuing the death penalty.
Crusius first opened fire in Walmart’s parking lot before entering the store, where he killed customers in aisles. He fled the scene in a car but, minutes later, he pulled over and surrendered to a trooper who was responding to the shooting, according to the El Paso Times.
Crusius confessed that he targeted Hispanics because he wanted to discourage them from immigrating to the United States. Minutes before carrying out the shooting, he posted a manifesto online that detailed his motive and his racist beliefs against Hispanics.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Crusius drove 10 hours from Allen to commit the shooting.
The Dallas Morning News reported that Crusius still faces state charges for the 2019 mass shooting — including a capital murder charge which could result in a death sentence. A trial date has not been scheduled.
Crusius did not address the court before sentencing, but some of his victims’ relatives did.
“I believe my mother would not hold a grudge, but she left four wise kids,” said Karla Romero. “(My mother) is not gone. She will never be gone. You will see me again. I will see you again at the state trial.”
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Featured image: Patrick Crusius/El Paso Police]