Accused Santa Fe Shooter Taken Into Federal Custody

SANTA FE, TX — Accused Santa Fe High School shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis was taken from the Galveston County Jail and is being held in federal custody, officials in Galveston County said Monday.

Federal officials arrived at the jail on Monday morning for Pagourtzis, who is charged with 10 counts of capital murder.

Pagourtzis was just 17 years old when he allegedly shot 23 students and teachers at Santa Fe High School on May 18, 2018.

Because of his age, Pagourtzis could be sentenced to life in prison and eligible for parole after 40 years.

Last month federal authorities announced that they didn’t intend to pursue federal charges against Pagourtzis, citing that the Galveston County DA had already pursued strong charges in the case.

READ ALSO: Accused Santa Fe Shooter Won't Face Federal Charges

However, it now seems that Pagourtzis will face federal charges that could keep him behind bars the rest of his life if he’s convicted.

Shortly after federal prosecutors met with victims' families tell them no federal charges would be filed, families reached out to congressional leaders and to the U.S. Justice Department, officials said.

Earlier this year, a district judge granted a request from Pagourtzis for a change of venue. The court will announce next month the location of Pagourtzis’ trial.

Send your news tips and story ideas to bryan.kirk@patch.com