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Guilty Plea in Federal Hate Crime Case
A Dallas Man Admits to Hate Crimes Stemming from Fatal Shooting at Auto Repair Shop
Anthony Paz Torres, aged 38, has entered a guilty plea to federal hate crime charges related to a fatal shooting at Omar’s Wheels and Tires, a car repair shop in Dallas, Texas, on December 24, 2015. Torres pleaded guilty to five federal hate crime counts, including one count of using a firearm to commit murder.
Shooting Spree with Hate-Fueled Motive
Torres’ guilty plea acknowledges that his actions involved the killing of one individual and the attempted murder of four others during the shooting at the auto repair shop. Court documents reveal that a few days before the incident, Torres visited the business, made anti-Muslim statements, and threatened to return. Upon his return, he asked customers if they were Muslim and subsequently opened fire on both customers and employees present in the shop. One individual lost their life, while four others were subjected to attempted murder using his firearm.
Justice Department’s Response
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division expressed the department’s commitment to addressing bias-motivated violence and prosecuting those who target victims based on their religion. She condemned acts of Islamophobic violence that result in death and injury, emphasizing that such actions contradict American values.
Condemnation of Religious Hatred
U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton for the Northern District of Texas emphasized that religious hatred, including anti-Muslim bigotry, has no place in America. She underscored that when such bigotry escalates into violence, the authorities will not hesitate to hold the perpetrators accountable.
FBI’s Active Role
Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Dallas Field Office stressed that the defendant’s deliberate targeting of a Muslim-owned business led to not only the death of an innocent person but also caused harm, both physical and emotional, to everyone present during the incident. He highlighted that hate crimes are not just attacks on individuals but also serve to threaten and intimidate entire communities.
Sentencing and Maximum Penalty
Torres is scheduled for sentencing on January 24, 2024. As part of the plea agreement, he faces a maximum penalty of up to 37 years in prison, which will include credit for time served.
Investigation and Prosecution
The FBI Dallas Field Office led the investigation, with support from 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 responsible for prosecuting the case.
For more information and resources regarding the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
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