Crusius, who was 24 years old at the time of the attack, had pleaded guilty in February to numerous federal hate crimes and firearms charges. Following his arrest, Crusius reportedly confessed to investigators that he had specifically targeted Mexicans and intended to kill as many as possible. He had driven from his home in Allen, Texas, a distance of approximately 650 miles east of El Paso, to carry out the attack.
Within days of the shooting, 22 victims succumbed to their injuries, and another person passed away eight months later, bringing the total death toll to 23. An additional 22 individuals were wounded during the attack.
The sentencing hearing took place in El Paso federal court, and numerous victims and their family members were present. Over the course of the proceedings, they delivered powerful impact statements, expressing their grief and confronting Crusius directly. Dean Reckard, whose mother was among those killed, stood before Crusius and denounced his actions, calling him "young and stupid" and expressing his contempt for the choices Crusius had made. Crusius reportedly nodded "yes" when asked if he was sorry for what he had done.
Former El Paso mayor Dee Margo, who held the position at the time of the mass shooting, was also in attendance at the courtroom. According to Margo, Crusius displayed very little emotion throughout the proceedings and did not make eye contact with any of the victims or their families.
Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the sentencing of 90 consecutive life terms, emphasizing that it ensures Crusius will spend the rest of his life behind bars for his racially motivated rampage. Garland expressed gratitude towards the victims and their families for their bravery in sharing the devastating impact they endured as a result of Crusius's heinous crimes. He stressed that no individual in the country should live in fear of being targeted due to their appearance or origin.
While Crusius had initially pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, he requested a rearraignment hearing after federal prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty. However, he is also facing capital murder charges in state court. El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks stated that he intends to pursue the death penalty in the state case, which could proceed to trial as early as next year. Ultimately, the decision on whether Crusius will face the death penalty will rest with the jury in the state trial.
