Nikolas Cruz sentencing trial live updates: Defense rests its case in stunning move
FORT LAUDERDALE — Jurors returned to a Fort Lauderdale courtroom this week to hear the Parkland gunman's defense in favor of life in prison.
In an unexpected turn, his team of public defenders announced Wednesday that it would rest its case despite having about 40 remaining witnesses scheduled to testify.
Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty in 2021 to killing 17 people and wounding 17 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
The 12-person jury will recommend whether Cruz, then 19 and now 23, is put to death or sentenced to life in prison. If it recommends death, a move that must be unanimous, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer will make the final ruling likely sometime this fall.
The Palm Beach Post is covering the daily proceedings live. Follow below for updates throughout Wednesday, Sept. 14.
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Judge spars with defense attorneys as they prepare to rest case ahead of schedule
Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer looked from attorney to attorney flanking Cruz and asked them for a third time Wednesday morning: Who is your next witness? The attorneys looked uncomfortable.
"Is it a secret who's going to be questioning your next witness?" Scherer asked.
Cruz's lead public defender stood and announced without preamble that the defense had no more witnesses to call and was prepared to rest its case.
The news was a stunning and abrupt end to Cruz's defense, which was anticipated to call about 40 more witnesses to testify — including Cruz's brother, Zachary Cruz.
Scherer appeared momentarily shocked before ripping into the defense team.
"I just want to say this is the most uncalled for, unprofessional way to try a case," she said. "You all knew about this, and even if you didn't make your decision until this morning, to have 22 people, plus all of this staff and every attorney, march into court and wait as if it's some kind of game — "
It's another day wasted, she finished.
Melisa McNeill, Cruz's lead public defender, stood again and steeled herself against the judge: "I have been practicing in this county for 22 years — "
"I don't want to hear it," Scherer said.
McNeil objected to the judge insulting her on the record and said she believed she should be able to defend herself.
"Do that later," the judge answered. "You've been insulting me the entire trial, blatantly. Taking your headphones off, arguing with me, storming out, coming late intentionally if you don't like my rulings. Quite frankly, this has been long overdue. So please be seated."
Jury deliberation in Cruz death penalty case to begin in October
"We did not anticipate that the defense would be resting today," Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer told jurors. "Sometimes things go quicker than we expect."
Prosecutors will begin their weeklong rebuttal Sept. 27 and offer closing arguments the following week. Jurors are tentatively scheduled to begin their deliberation Oct. 10. A vote for death must be unanimous. If just one of the 12 jurors votes for life, Scherer must sentence Cruz accordingly.
Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Parkland shooter trial: Defense rests case; judge outraged
