Life Without Parole For Parkland Shooter, Per Jury Recommendation
At 2018, Nikolas Cruz massacred 17 people in a Florida high school. He should spend the rest of his life behind bars, a jury of twelve decided on Thursday.
Overview
Cruz may have received the death sentence, but the verdict would have needed to be unanimous.
Driving the news
Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida and a Republican, stated on Thursday that he disagreed with the jury's verdict and believed Cruz should have been executed.
The latest
In October 2018, Cruz entered a plea of guilty to all counts related to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which resulted in the deaths of 14 students and three staff members.
the big picture
Cruz acknowledged having killed 17 people and attempted to murder another 17. 17 charges of attempted first-degree murder were also acknowledged by him.
the big picture
The Parkland incident was the worst school shooting in American history.
the big picture
The jury in this case had to determine whether Cruz's life's "mitigating considerations" were more significant than the shooting's "aggravating factors," such as the fact that Cruz was a minor.
Between the lines
murdered individuals "in a very wicked, terrible, or brutal" fashion. In Florida, this is one of the requirements for a death sentence.
Between the lines
These included Cruz's admission of guilt, the supposed drinking issue of his birth mother, and the alleged inability of his adoptive mother to provide Cruz's necessary mental treatment.
Between the lines
At least one jury voted against the death sentence because they felt that the disadvantages did not exceed the advantages.
Between the lines
"We are really dissatisfied with today's result. Without a doubt, this should have resulted in death.
What's they're saying
There were 17 cruelly killed, "Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old girl, was killed in the shooting, according to her mother, Lori Alhadeff.
What's they're saying
On November 1, Cruz will be handed a life sentence without the possibility of release. He will remain under the supervision of the Broward County Sheriff's Office until then.
Overview
Families of those who passed away and those who are still living have the right to face-to-face communication with Cruz under Florida's constitution.