Nikolas Cruz, Parkland shooter, avoids death penalty

The Parkland school shooter has avoided death penalty. An explosion of emotions this morning after the jury recommended Nikolas Cruz be sentenced to life in prison, instead of the death penalty.

The jury unanimously found that all of the aggravating factors were proven beyond a reasonable doubt except one. They did not agree that the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating circumstances. Without this unanimous vote, the 24-year-old will spend his life behind bars without the possibility of parole. 

The mitigating circumstances presented in trial include Cruz’s exposure to drugs in utero, his medicated state throughout childhood and witnessing his father’s death. 

Cruz pleaded guilty last October to 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder for the 2018 Valentine’s Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Florida. 

The judge is expected to issue the gunman’s formal sentence next month to allow time for victims impact statements.