CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

Florida Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty for Accused Parkland Shooter Nikolas Cruz

Broward County State Attorney Michael J. Satz filed a notice of intent with the court on Tuesday.

Florida prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Nikolas Cruz, who's accused of killing 17 people last month at a Parkland high school, according to a notice of intent filed by Broward County State Attorney Michael J. Satz. Cruz is currently charged with 17 counts of first-degree premeditated murder and 17 counts of second-degree attempted murder. He allegedly entered his former school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, on February 14th and opened fire on students and teachers alike with an AR-15. The notice filed with the Clerk of Courts states that the defense must give written notice if it intends to use the “expert testimony of a mental health professional” before the trial date. Cruz passed a background check, which included a mental health question, while purchasing his AR-15, despite having a history of behavioral issues.