9 sources·World

Gunman in El Paso Walmart Shooting Pleads Guilty to Capital Murder

Patrick Crusius pleads guilty to capital murder for the 2019 Walmart shooting, receiving life without parole as victims' families seek closure.

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  1. Gunman who killed 23 in racist attack at El Paso Walmart pleads guilty to murder

    Crusius has acknowledged he targeted Hispanics on 3 August 2019, when he opened fire in a Walmart in the Texas border city that was crowded with weekend shoppers from the US and Mexico.

    Gunman who killed 23 in racist attack at El Paso Walmart pleads guilty to murder

    The GuardianThe Guardian·11d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. El Paso Walmart shooter Patrick Crusius pleads guilty, gets life without parole

    The gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack at an El Paso Walmart in 2019 pleaded guilty to capital murder on April 21, ending the yearslong criminal case against the man who carried out one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.

    El Paso Walmart shooter Patrick Crusius pleads guilty, gets life without parole

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·11d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. El Paso Walmart shooter expected to plead guilty to avoid death penalty

    Crusius has already been sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences in federal court after pleading guilty in 2023 to hate crime and weapons charges.

    El Paso Walmart shooter expected to plead guilty to avoid death penalty

    The Post MillennialThe Post Millennial·11d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  1. PBS NewsHour
  2. The Guardian
  3. Boston Herald
  4. USA TODAY
  5. NBC News
  6. The Post Millennial
  7. ABC News
  8. NPR
  9. Associated Press

Updated: Apr 21st, 2025, 1:39 PM ET

Summary

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Patrick Crusius pleaded guilty to capital murder for the August 2019 racist attack in El Paso, Texas, which killed 23 people. He was sentenced to life without parole after prosecutors chose not to pursue a death sentence, responding to victims’ families’ wishes for resolution. Crusius, who has already received 90 life sentences federally for hate crimes, admitted he targeted Hispanic shoppers during the incident. He has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Victim impact statements will be shared starting Monday, echoing emotional testimonies heard in a federal court hearing last year.


Perspectives

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  • The gunman, Patrick Crusius, is expected to accept a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, indicating a focus on closure for victims' families.

  • Texas prosecutors have chosen not to pursue the death penalty, reflecting the wishes of the majority of victims' relatives who desire resolution.

  • Crusius's mental health issues, including schizoaffective disorder, are highlighted as influencing his actions, while recognizing the severe impact of the mass shooting.


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