Patrick Crusius will be paying restitution in the ballpark of $5.5 million to the families of victims he killed in a 2019 mass shooting at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart that left 23 dead. The fifth-deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, according to reports, this comes after Crusius was sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences for 90 federal charges. Texas prosecutors are also seeking the death penalty for Crusius in a separate trial, though a trial date has not been set. The federal government did not seek the death penalty in its case against Crusius.
Though it’s unclear how Crusius will pay restitution, federal defendants who can make full payments are very low, according to the Justice Department. The Justice Department did propose changes to the restitution payment process with a new rule that would put 75% of money sent or donated to prisoners toward restitution.
Crusius opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle in the parking lot before he later surrendered to a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper. Before the shooting, the shooter had posted #BuildtheWall on Twitter and other social media platforms alongside calling for strict border policies. Crusius also posted a racist manifesto online for his hatred of Hispanics.
As the financial restitution could never bring loved ones back, our hearts and prayers continue to be with the families affected by this racist hate crime.
Link: Forbes
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