EYE FOR AN EYE?

Prosecutor: ‘Death Penalty Is Designed’ for Cases Like Florida Shooting

Nikolas Cruz would reportedly plead guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.

Prosecutors in Parkland, Florida have reportedly not ruled out the death penalty for 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, who faces 17 counts of first-degree murder following a deadly high school shooting this week. Michael J. Satz, the state attorney for Broward County, has called the shooting “absolutely horrific and tragic.” “This certainly is the type of case the death penalty was designed for,” he told the Associated Press. He said his office would announce its decision on what penalty it will seek at a later date. Meanwhile, Broward County Public Defender Howard Finkelstein, whose office is representing Cruz, has said the 19-year-old might be willing to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. He said the numerous signs of Cruz’s mental health issues should factor into any decision on capital punishment. “Because that’s what this case is about. Not, did he do it? Not, should he go free? Should he live or should he die,” Finkelstein said.