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

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.