Texas man pleads guilty to hate crime charges following repair shop killing

WASHINGTON – A Dallas man pleaded guilty ultimate week to federal hate crime charges following a deadly taking pictures in 2015 at a automotive repair shop.

Anthony Paz Torres, 38, pleaded guilty on Thursday to 5 federal hate crime counts for killing one person and attempting to kill four others all over a taking pictures at Omar’s Wheels and Tires in Dallas, on Dec. 24, 2015. Torres additionally pleaded guilty to one rely of the usage of a firearm to dedicate the homicide. According to paperwork filed in connection together with his guilty plea, Torres’ taking pictures spree got here a couple of days after he had long past to the trade, made anti-Muslim statements and pledged that he would come again. When he returned a couple of days later, Torres requested consumers in the event that they have been Muslim after which opened fireplace at the consumers and staff provide within the shop. Torres killed one particular person and tried to kill 4 others together with his gun.

Torres’ sentencing is about for Jan. 24, 2024. Pursuant to the phrases of the plea settlement, he faces a most penalty of up to 37 years in jail, with credit for time served.

“Acts of Islamophobic-violence that cause death and injury have no place in our country and run contrary to our values as Americans,” stated Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant is being held accountable for a violent and deadly hate-fueled shooting spree targeting innocent Muslim Americans. The Justice Department is firmly committed to confronting unlawful acts of bias-motivated violence, and stands ready, willing and able to prosecute perpetrators who target victims because of their religion.”

The FBI Dallas Field Office investigated the case, with the aid of the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana for the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting this example.