Nathan James Cruz Arrested, What Happened To Nathan James Cruz?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 09, 2023
Nathan James Cruz Arrested
The arrest of Nathan James Cruz, the cousin of the Uvalde, Texas school shooter, took place in San Antonio following his alarming threat to carry out a school shooting. Cruz, aged 17, faced a felony charge for making a terroristic threat to the public and a misdemeanor charge for making a terroristic threat against a family member, as indicated in records from the Bexar County Central Magistrate.
The San Antonio Police Department was contacted by Cruz's mother, who reported the threats her son had uttered, informs Officer Nick Soliz. Notably, Salvador Ramos, the 18-year-old responsible for the tragic killing of 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary in Uvalde last year, is Cruz's cousin, as confirmed by Soliz.
An affidavit acquired by NPR revealed that Cruz informed his sister of his plans to emulate his cousin's actions by saying he intended "to do the same thing." The threats were reportedly made by Cruz to his sister while they were in a car. He made threats of shooting her and "the school." His sister then informed their mother, prompting her to call the police.
The affidavit indicated the mother's concern as the son had made the threats while appearing "intoxicated," and they resided close to an elementary school. Additionally, the affidavit revealed that the mother overheard a phone conversation in which Cruz attempted to acquire an AR-15 through an illegal private sale. Cruz denied making any threats when questioned by the police.
The arrest warrant stated that making a terroristic threat against the public is categorized as a third-degree felony, while the threat against his family is a Class A misdemeanor. Cruz's bond for release was set at $160,000 in total. The San Antonio police emphasized that this arrest underscores the significance of promptly reporting concerning behavior and statements.
What Happened To Nathan James Cruz?
The adolescent relative of the perpetrator behind the 2022 Uvalde, Texas school shooting, found himself under arrest on Monday for allegedly making threats to replicate a similar act at a school, as revealed by court documents accessed by CNN.
Nathan James Cruz, aged 17, faced a felony charge of making a terroristic threat in a public place and a misdemeanor charge for making a similar threat against a family member, in accordance with records from the Bexar County Central Magistrate.
Salvador Ramos, who fatally shot 19 children and two educators at Robb Elementary School in May 2022, is Nathan James Cruz's cousin, a fact conveyed by San Antonio police Sgt. Washington Moscoso to the New York Times on Monday. CNN has endeavored to gather a statement from the San Antonio police.
Ramos's violent intrusion into Robb Elementary last year, armed with an assault rifle and tactical gear, resulted in a devastating attack on two adjacent classrooms, marking one of the deadliest school shootings in contemporary US history. The law enforcement's response to the incident has been critically assessed, with officers delaying their entry into the classrooms for over an hour before ultimately confronting and killing Ramos.
Cruz's mother reached out to the police on Monday after her daughter reported that Cruz had voiced intentions to "do the same thing" as his cousin, as outlined in an affidavit obtained by CNN.
The affidavit stated that the mother expressed "particular concern because the suspect is currently on probation, was intoxicated at the time," and due to their residence's proximity to an elementary school. According to the affidavit, Cruz's sister disclosed that during a car ride, her brother threatened to shoot her in the head and asserted he would "shoot the school."
The mother reportedly overheard a phone conversation in which Cruz was attempting to unlawfully acquire an AR-15-style assault rifle, the same firearm model employed by Ramos in the Uvalde shooting. Upon his apprehension, Cruz was "adamant in denying any threats" during his interrogation by a detective, the document specified.
CNN has not been able to verify whether Cruz has legal representation. The charges against him have resulted in a collective bond of $160,000, in accordance with the magistrate's records.
Who's Been Arrested For A School Shooting Threat Linked To The Uvalde Shooter's Cousin?
The adolescent cousin of the perpetrator behind the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, has been apprehended after his family reported his attempt to acquire a firearm and replicate the same actions, as outlined in court documents.
Authorities in San Antonio took Nathan James Cruz into custody on Monday, charging the 17-year-old with making threats against a public location and a family member. Presently, Cruz is being held at Bexar County jail with a bond of $160,000, as per jail records accessible on Tuesday.
As per accounts from law enforcement and court documents, Cruz is related to Salvador Ramos, the 18-year-old resident of Uvalde who was identified as the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of 19 students and two educators at Robb Elementary School in 2022. The police took more than an hour to engage and neutralize Ramos.
The charges levied against Cruz stem from his mother alerting the authorities about his threats to carry out a school shooting and his intention to harm his sister. This information is documented in an arrest affidavit that local news sources have obtained. According to reports from the San Antonio Express-News, Cruz's mother also informed the officers that she overheard him attempting to procure a rifle over the telephone.
In the court record, it's noted that Cruz refuted having made any threats during interviews with detectives. The Bexar County Public Defender’s Office, responsible for representing him, has opted not to comment on the matter.
In the aftermath of the Uvalde massacre, Texas Governor Greg Abbott brushed aside calls for stricter gun regulations, mirroring his response after previous mass shootings in 2017 and 2018.
These events did not dissuade Texas voters from supporting the Republican candidate, who secured his third term by a wide margin only a few months following the incident. More than a year after the tragedy, the ongoing state criminal investigation continues to delve into the delayed police reaction during Texas' most fatal school shooting.
Nathan James Cruz Arrested - FAQs
Nathan James Cruz, the cousin of the Uvalde school shooter, has been arrested.
Nathan James Cruz is facing charges of making threats to a public place and a family member.
Nathan James Cruz's family reported to the police that he was attempting to buy a gun and had made threats to carry out a school shooting.
Nathan James Cruz is 17 years old.
Nathan James Cruz is the cousin of Salvador Ramos, the individual responsible for the Uvalde school shooting.