Nikolas Cruz will plead guilty next week to 17 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of attempted murder connected to the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, according to his lawyer.
The New York Times provides context:
The rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018, killed 14 students and three faculty members and wounded 17 and was one of the deadliest school shootings in American history.
The former student, Nikolas Cruz, who was 19 at the time and had a history of mental health and behavior problems, used a semiautomatic rifle that he had legally bought to carry out the assault, according to the police.
At a court hearing Friday morning, Cruz’ lawyer revealed his client’s intent to plead guilty. Judge Elizabeth Scherer scheduled a hearing for next Wednesday to allow the pleas to be submitted.
The lawyer explained that Cruz will also plead guilty to a separate charge related to assaulting a jail guard in 2018. That guilty plea will be submitted later on Friday.
Prosecutors have indicated that they will seek the death penalty. Cruz’ lawyers have requested a life sentence. A trial is likely.
Fred Guttenberg, who’s 14-year old daughter Jaime died in the massacre, tweeted “My only comment is to remember the victims. Remember Jaime. Rather than talk about the murderer.”
CNN has a report on those who died in the massacre. We encourage you to read it.
