Payton Gendron, the gunman behind the supermarket massacre in Buffalo, New York, has pleaded guilty to his troubling crimes.
This significant development comes nearly seven months after Payton fatally shot 10 Blacks inside an elderly-friendly Market facility, and it’s a huge step forward in his quest to bring him to justice. .
Payton Gendron pleads guilty to 15 state charges
The 19-year-old pleaded guilty on Monday. NPR reported that, while his state charges initially totaled 25 counts, he pleaded guilty to only 15 counts. As a result, the remaining 10 charges were dismissed through a plea agreement.
Payton specifically pleaded guilty to one count of hate-fueled domestic terrorism, three counts of attempted murder, 10 counts of first-degree murder and one count of possession of a weapon.
He will be sentenced in early 2023
With his defense in place, the next step is for the court system to formally convict Payton.
Although his sentencing is not scheduled until February 15, his domestic terrorism charge carries a mandatory life sentence.
His defense attorney, Brian Parker, spoke about the situation after his client pleaded guilty, CNN report..
“This important step represents a condemnation of the racist ideology that fueled his terrible actions on May 14. Before he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. parole on February 15, all living victims and family members of deceased victims will have the opportunity to deal directly with the courts, the community, and our customers. We hope that a final resolution of the state charges will help in part to focus on the needs of the victims and the community.”
Victim’s family members want to accomplish more
While Gendron is certain to end up in jail, the families of the victims are calling for more to be done.
Mark Talley—son of Geraldine Talley, who was killed in the massacre—calls on Americans to address the root of the problem: the country’s “history of racism and racism,” NPR report.
“Am I happy that he has to go to prison for life? At this point, to be honest, I don’t care. At the end of the day, do I feel that this will make a difference? Absolutely not. What makes me happy is if America can acknowledge its history of racism and racism.”
Garnell Whitfield, who also lost his mother in the attack, said he wanted his superiors to “do something about it”.
“None of these people deserve this. And here we are begging those in power to do something about it.”
Payton Gendron is still facing federal charges
In addition to the charges that the State of New York has brought against Payton, the federal government is still struggling to get a handle on him.
Back in July, he was indicted on 27 counts in a federal indictment, and he likely faces the death penalty.
