Patrick Crusius, who killed 23 people in a racist attack at a Texas Walmart in 2019, has been offered a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. The then-21-year-old drove 700 miles to target Hispanic shoppers, killing 23 and injuring 22 after posting a racist rant about a “Hispanic invasion.” He later confessed to police.

Prosecutors had pushed for lethal injection, but El Paso County District Attorney James Montoya said the deal was based on victims’ families wanting a “resolution” instead of a long legal battle. “No more hearings. No more appeals. He will die in prison,” Montoya stated.

Crusius, now 26, had already received 90 life sentences for hate crimes in 2023. His sentencing is scheduled for April 21, where victims’ families will give impact statements. Texas Governor Greg Abbott criticized the deal, saying, “I think the guy does deserve the death penalty.” Crusius’ attorney claimed he had always been “willing to accept responsibility.” The shooter, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, was also ordered to pay over $5 million to victims.