El Paso DA's decision not to seek death penalty in Walmart shooting sparks debates

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County District Attorney James Montoya has announced that his office will not seek the death penalty against Patrick Crusius, the gunman responsible for the 2019 Walmart mass shooting that left 23 people dead. The decision has reignited emotional debates about justice and accountability in the community.

Former El Paso Mayor Dee Margo expressed strong disappointment in the decision, calling it a "gross understatement" to say he was upset. “To hear that our new DA is not going to proceed with the opportunity to have a death penalty for this mass murderer to say I'm disappointed is a gross understatement,” Margo said.

Montoya’s decision has drawn criticism from those who feel he went back on campaign promises. Gael Hernandez, a local resident, expressed frustration, stating, “It is kind of dishonest to use that as a campaign promise and then not follow through with it. A lot of people likely voted for him with that in mind.”

However, not all El Pasoans agree that the death penalty is necessary.

Miranda Luna, another resident, believes justice can still be served through life in prison. “Death won’t make anything go away. I understand how horrible it is for the families, but I think he should sit and live with what he did, rather than just get an easy way out.”

Margo, who led the city in the aftermath of the shooting, continues to advocate for capital punishment in this case. “You have a conviction. He’s already admitted guilt to 90 counts and has been sentenced to life in prison on the federal side.”

Other residents echoed Margo’s concerns, emphasizing the gravity of the crime. Ricardo Chacon pointed to the shooter’s racist motives, saying, “The shooting was something terrible, driven by racism. He went out of his way to drive for hours to commit a heinous act. That shouldn’t go without consequences.”

Nathaniel Saradia acknowledged the moral complexities of the death penalty but struggled with the nature of the crime. “It's hard for me, especially as a Christian, because we believe God has the final say on life and death. But at the same time, what this man did is horrible. So many lives were affected, and it’s easy to get caught up in that anger.”

The debate continues as the community grapples with the DA’s decision. While some believe life in prison is a sufficient punishment, others argue that justice for the victims demands more.

Leaders in the community also weighed in on the DA's decision.

El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson recognized that while he recognizes the complexity of the case, he admits he shares in the disappointment, feeling that Crusius' racist attack warranted the most serious punishment.

Johnson's full statement:

The City of El Paso is aware of the District Attorney’s decision not to pursue the death penalty in the state’s case against Patrick Crusius. This is a deeply emotional issue for our entire community, especially for the families and loved ones of the 23 lives lost in the 2019 tragedy.

I reached out to some of the victims and their families, and they are deeply disappointed and saddened.

We recognize that decisions in capital cases are legally and logistically complex, requiring careful consideration of numerous factors—including the prolonged timeline of death penalty proceedings, the trauma of extended trials, and the existing federal life sentences already imposed. At the same time, we also understand and share the disappointment felt by many who believe the severity of this crime warrants the most serious penalty available under the law.

El Paso will never forget the lives lost and the families forever changed. We remain committed to supporting our community and honoring the memory of those we lost by standing united against hate.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.

Former El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks, who handled the case during his tenure, echoed Johnson's sentiment saying that he is disappointed, all the while respecting Montoya's difficult decision.

I am disappointed that the Walmart Shooter will not face a jury for his crimes, but the decision to move forward with a trial or to enter a plea agreement is completely within the discretion of the District Attorney and it is totally DA Montoya’s decision at this point, not mine. I respect how difficult it must have been to make this decision,” Hicks said.

Meanwhile, the El Paso Diocese Rev. Bishop Mark Seitz said they are praying for the families of the victims and reminded people that the religious organization opposes capital punishment.

Seitz's full statement:

We learned [Monday] evening that District Attorney James Montoya will not seek the death penalty for Patrick Crusius. In this moment our prayers remain with the families who daily suffer from the loved ones who were lost that day and the many who will always live with that trauma. We ask God to surround them with His love and grant them comfort.

As followers of Christ, we believe in the sanctity of every human life and remain opposed to the death penalty even in the face of this hateful and violent act. While we believe that the community needs to be protected from anyone who would commit such a crime, our community will not be safer or better by seeking more bloodshed.

While many may believe that the death penalty would bring closure, in fact the further trials and appeals over the course of years would only serve to retraumatize those who have been hurt. The perpetrator’s killing would not bring back those who were lost.

This is all made clear for us by the teachings of Christ who calls us to recognize the fundamental dignity of every human being and to trust that in the light of His Resurrection, death does not have the final word.

Representative Veronica Escobar also added her thoughts on X.

Escobar's full statement:

On August 3, 2019, 23 precious souls were taken from us. Every single El Pasoan was devastated by the mass shooting at Walmart that day.

But no one was more devastated than the survivors and loved ones and victims who endured the trauma and pain of that day most directly.

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