El Paso Families Confront Walmart Shooter With Fury And Forgiveness

August 3, 2019 is a day that many El Pasoans will remember because it was a day when 23 innocent people lost their lives to a horrific mass shooting at a local Walmart in El paso, TX.

It was a day where our community mourned the tragedy, but we came together as a community.

Back in March, El Paso District Attorney James Montoya announced that his office would no longer pursue the death penalty

Many locals were shocked to read the headlines saying Cruisis would not be getting the death penalty. Instead, he will plead guilty to capital murder and serve life in prison without the possibility of parole—a decision that did not sit well with many locals, but it was a decision aimed at bringing long-overdue closure to victims’ families.

Read More: El Paso DA Ends Death Penalty Push in 2019 Walmart Shooting Case 

This past week some of those families were able to get some closure as they stood in an El Paso courtroom and made their voices heard—some with fury, others with forgiveness.

Crusius was met with tearful rage—and unimaginable grace

On April 22, as victim impact statements continued, families faced Patrick Crusius, the man responsible for the racially motivated massacre at Cielo Vista Walmart. 

Francisco Rodriguez, father of 15-year-old Javier Rodriguez, demanded Crusius look at him:

“You had the balls to come down here and do what you wanted to do, right? Look at him.”

Some brought fire. Hilda Reckard, daughter-in-law of victim Margie Reckard, said through tears:

“They saved your life and you can’t even say you’re sorry?”

Others brought something deeper. When Judge Sam Medrano asked Yolanda Tinajero if hugging the shooter would bring her healing, she simply said, “Yes.” She embraced him, and the room fell silent—except for the sound of quiet sobs.

Later, Adriana Zandri, whose husband was murdered, also asked for permission to hug the shooter—again, not in weakness, but as a step toward peace.

Judge Medrano closed the emotional day stating the proceedings were concluded.

But what rang louder than verdicts or sentences was this: hate tried to silence a community—and failed. El Paso stood tall, and with broken hearts, chose to speak loudly for those who no longer could.

El Paso Strong is more than just a phrase, it is a way of life, and that was definitely shown in the courtroom this week.