Gunman Patrick Crusius, who killed 23 people in a racially motivated attack at a Texas Walmart, plans to plead guilty to capital murder, avoiding the death penalty. His plea would result in a life sentence without parole. The decision not to pursue the death penalty was influenced by victims' families wanting closure. Crusius, who is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, has previously received 90 life terms at the federal level for hate crimes, allowing families to share impact statements in court.
If the plea arrangement proceeds, families will be able to give victim impact statements. Dozens of people made emotional statements during a similar hearing in federal court in 2023 that lasted three days.
Montoya says the decision was driven by a majority of victims' relatives who want the case to be over.
You are talking about an individual with a broken brain," he said Thursday.
Under the offer, Crusius would plead guilty to capital murder and receive life in prison with no possibility of parole.
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