Texas Man Sentenced to 100 Years for Deadly 2020 Rampage \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Christopher McDonnell, 32, was sentenced to 100 years in prison for his role in a 2020 Thanksgiving shooting spree that spanned Nevada and Arizona, leaving one man dead and several injured. McDonnell pleaded guilty to over 20 felonies, including murder and attempted murder. The 11-hour rampage ended with a car crash in Arizona, where McDonnell and his co-defendants, his brother and ex-sister-in-law, were arrested after a shootout with authorities.
Quick Looks: Thanksgiving 2020 Two-State Shooting Rampage
- Christopher McDonnell Sentenced: Texas man received 100 years in prison for deadly shooting spree.
- Rampage Details: The 11-hour spree spanned Nevada and Arizona, killing one and injuring several.
- Fatal Victim: Kevin Mendiola Jr., 22, was shot and killed at a convenience store in Henderson, Nevada.
- Drive-By Shootings: Random gunfire wounded multiple individuals as the suspects fired from their vehicle.
- Police Chase: The violence ended near Parker, Arizona, after a high-speed chase and car rollover.
- Shootout with Authorities: Arizona troopers engaged in a shootout, wounding McDonnell’s brother Shawn.
- Co-Defendants: Shawn McDonnell and Kayleigh Lewis face pending trials on numerous felony charges.
- Long Sentence: McDonnell is ineligible for parole until 2120, ensuring he will likely spend life in prison.
Texas Man Sentenced in Deadly Two-State Shooting Rampage
McDonnell, 32, of Tyler, Texas, pleaded guilty in October to more than 20 felony charges, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, multiple weapons charges, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Long Sentence with No Early Parole
Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones handed down the sentence on Friday, KLAS-TV reported. McDonnell will serve a minimum of 100 years in prison. If alive, he will not be eligible for parole until 2120, factoring in time already served.
Deadly Rampage Across Nevada and Arizona
The rampage began on November 26, 2020, in Henderson, Nevada, near Las Vegas, where the group carried out apparently random shootings. Kevin Mendiola Jr., 22, was fatally shot at a convenience store, and several other people were wounded in drive-by shootings as the group fired indiscriminately from their vehicle.
The trio then crossed state lines into Arizona, where their violence continued, culminating in a high-speed chase near the Colorado River town of Parker.
Pursuit and Arrest in Arizona
Arizona Department of Public Safety officers pursued the group after spotting their vehicle, which had Texas license plates. The chase ended when the group’s car rolled over during the pursuit.
Co-Defendants Await Trial
While Christopher McDonnell has now been sentenced, his brother Shawn and Kayleigh Lewis still face numerous charges. Both are awaiting trial in connection to the rampage, which prosecutors said was carried out with no clear motive but deliberate intent to harm.
Prosecutors’ Account of Events
“This was a horrifying and senseless act of violence that left lasting scars on the victims, their families, and the community,” prosecutors said.
McDonnell’s Long History of Violence
Christopher McDonnell’s sentencing reflects his extensive criminal history, including previous convictions that made him ineligible to possess firearms. Officials described him as the ringleader of the group, noting his role in planning and executing the attacks.
The court’s sentence ensures that McDonnell will spend the rest of his life behind bars, with little to no chance of release.
What’s Next for the Case?
The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting spree, which stands as one of the most shocking instances of random violence in recent Nevada and Arizona history.
