Accused Walmart shooter expected to plead guilty during re-arraignment hearing

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Patrick Crusius, who is accused of murdering 23 people at an El Paso Walmart back in 2019, will plead guilty to federal hate crimes charges according to his attorneys.

His re-arraignment is set for Wednesday at 2 p.m. and will take place in the Ceremonial Courtroom at El Paso’s federal courthouse.

Victims and the family members of those who were killed in the Walmart shooting are expected to appear in the courtroom. According to attorneys for Patrick Crusius, Crusius will be present.

The U.S. Attorney's Office will not seek the death penalty in the case, meaning the maximum federal sentence Crusius faces is life in prison. However, Crusius faces state charges including 23 counts of capital murder. which could potentially result in the death penalty.

Although the federal and state cases have progressed it’s unclear when a trial date for state charges will be.

The federal trial has been scheduled for January 2024.