Christopher McDonnell, who faced 55 felony charges in connection with a deadly Thanksgiving 2020 crime spree, has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to roughly half of those charges. The plea comes weeks before his scheduled trial.
McDonnell’s charges included terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder, and multiple counts of attempted murder. He ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and several counts of discharging a firearm.
READ: Ohio Man Stationed In Georgia Gets 14 Years For Attempting To Aid ISIS, Murder U.S. Troops
The crime spree began on Thanksgiving Day in Henderson, Nevada, when McDonnell, his brother Shawn, and ex-sister-in-law Kayleigh Lewis allegedly shot at cars and people seemingly at random. The violence culminated in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Kevin Mendiola at a 7-Eleven. Mendiola’s girlfriend, brother, and another bystander were also injured.
The trio fled to Arizona, where they were apprehended after a high-speed chase and car crash. All three were hospitalized for injuries sustained in the crash.
READ: Arizona Man Arrested For Gruesome Murder Of Mother Before Her Surprise Birthday Party
McDonnell’s brother and ex-sister-in-law are still awaiting trial for their alleged roles in the crime spree. McDonnell, who was on parole for felony assault in Texas at the time of the crimes, could face life in prison.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.