Non-binary Club Q mass shooter sentenced to life in prison

Anderson Lee Aldrich, who is "non-binary" and uses "they/them" pronouns, pleaded guilty to five counts of murder and 46 counts of attempted murder and was ordered by a judge on Monday to serve five consecutive life sentences, plus 48 years on each attempted murder in prison.

On November 19, 2022, Aldrich opened fire in a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub called Club Q. He fatally shot five people with an AR 15, and wounded nearly two dozen others. Aldrich was stopped by "heroic" patrons at the nightclub and was later arrested by police.

Aldrich also pleaded no contest to two hate crimes during the court proceedings.

Judge Michael McHenry told Aldrich, "You are targeting a group of people for their simple existence," as he sentenced him to life in prison, Daily Mail reports.

"Like too many other people in our culture, you chose to find a power that day behind the trigger of a gun, your actions reflect the deepest malice of the human heart, and malice is almost always born of ignorance and fear," Judge McHenry continued.

The victims killed in the mass shooting were identified as Kelly Loving, 40; Daniel Aston, 28; Derrick Rump, 38; Ashley Paugh, 34; and Raymond Green Vance, 22.

The victims' loved ones gave testimony in court, referring to Aldrich as an inhumane "monster" with a destiny in hell.

"This thing sitting in this court room is not a human, it is a monster," Jessica Fierro said, whose daughter's boyfriend was killed by Aldrich, according to the outlet. "The devil awaits with open arms."

Jeff Aston, whose son Daniel Aston was a bartender killed in the massacre, said "Losing him has brought us incredible grief and sadness. We will never hear one of his stories again. I'll never again hear him laugh at my dad jokes." Daniel's mother Sabrina said she would "never forgive" Aldrich.

On Monday, Aldrich said before the court, "I intentionally and after deliberation caused the death of each victim."