Texas Walmart Gunman Agrees to Pay $5M to Shooting Victims
A Texas gunman who perpetrated a devastating shooting in 2019 at a Walmart in El Paso has reached an agreement to pay over $5 million to the victims of the attack. Patrick Crusius, who killed 23 people in one of the worst mass shootings in the history of the United States, recently pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges and received 90 consecutive life sentences.
The agreement regarding restitution was finalized between Crusius’ attorneys and the Justice Department, ultimately receiving approval from U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama. However, there is uncertainty surrounding Crusius’ ability to fulfill this financial obligation, as the 25-year-old has no substantial assets. At the time of the shooting, Crusius was a 21-year-old college dropout from the vicinity of Dallas who drove over 700 miles to specifically target Hispanic individuals using a rifle.
Prior to initiating the deadly attack, Crusius posted a hate-filled message online, expressing concerns about a Hispanic invasion of Texas. His attorneys have revealed that Crusius had previously been employed at a movie theater but was forced to leave due to violent thoughts.
While Mr. Crusius pleaded guilty to federal charges, Texas prosecutors are still pursuing the death penalty and plan to try him for capital punishment in state court. However, the date for this trial has not yet been set.
Under the agreed-upon terms between Crusius and the government, he will be required to pay $5,557,005.55. However, Dean Reckard, whose mother was among the victims, has declined to be included in the restitution. He expressed doubts about the feasibility of an incarcerated individual repaying millions of dollars, emphasizing that no amount of money can bring back their lost loved ones.
The gunman’s attorney, Joe Spencer, and the Justice Department spokesperson have not responded to messages seeking comment.
As part of efforts to ensure victims receive restitution, the Justice Department has proposed changes to how it manages federal prisoners’ deposit accounts. This move follows revelations that certain high-profile inmates held significant funds in their prison accounts but made minimal payments toward restitution.
The relentless pursuit of justice remains important for the victims and their families, as they grapple with the painful aftermath of this tragic event. The agreed-upon restitution, while uncertain in terms of collection, represents a recognition of the immense loss suffered and a gesture towards accountability.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on information available at the time of writing and may not reflect recent developments in the case.
