Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz walks back in court in front of The Broward County Public Defender's office urged Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer for a hearing to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Standing to the left of Cruz is his attorney Assistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill. The hearing is expected to deal with several procedural issues possibly including setting an initial trial date and Cruz's public defender possibly ask to waive Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Mike Stocker / Sun SentinelBroward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer listens to arguments in the Nikolas Cruz status hearing. Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelFamily of Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting victims leave the courtroom after Nikolas Cruz's arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelFamily of shooting victim Nicholas Dworet hold his prayer card during Nikolas Cruz's arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelFred Guttenberg watches as Nikolas Cruz enters the courtroom for his arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Guttenberg's daughter, Jaime, was killed at the school. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz quickly glances up at the prosecutors while in court back in court in front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer for a hearing to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. No trail date was set and Cruz was granted a waive on Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz is arraigned at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas CruzÕs attorney, Assistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill, looks over to (left) Broward State Attorney Mike Satz and chief assistant Jeff Marcus during a hearing n front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. . Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz and his attorney, Assistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill, sit in court before the start of a hearing to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The hearing, which was delayed in order to find a court reporter, is expected to deal with several procedural issues possibly including setting an initial trial date and Cruz's public defender possibly ask to waive Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelFamily of shooting victim Nicholas Dworet hold hands during Nikolas Cruz's arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz’s brother, Zachary Cruz, sits in court during a delay Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz quickly glances up at the prosecutors while in court back in court in front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer for a hearing to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. No trial date was set and Cruz was granted a waiver on Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz is escorted into the courtroom for his arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelFamily of Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting victims attend Nikolas Cruz's arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz is arraigned at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz is escorted from the courtroom following his arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz is escorted into the courtroom for his arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz, who usually sits in court with his head down, briefly looks up during a delay in his hearing in front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court with his attornies Melisa McNeill (left) and Diane Cuddihy (right) before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz's brother Zachary Cruz looks on as Nikolas appeats before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelAssistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill, attorney for Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz, sits in Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer’s courtroom before the beginning of a hearing to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The hearing is expected to deal with several procedural issues possibly including setting an initial trial date and Cruz's public defender possibly ask to waive Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelCircuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer calls a delay in a hearing for Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. in order to find a court reporter. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz quickly glances up at the prosecutors while in court back in court in front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer for a hearing to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. No trial date was set and Cruz was granted a waiver on Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelFred Guttenberg stands following Nikolas Cruz's arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Guttenberg's daughter, Jaime, was killed at the school. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelBroward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer made no decision Wednesday, April 11, 2018, on whether Nikolas Cruz is entitled to a taxpayer-funded lawyer, or if he has enough money to hire his own.
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelJudge Elizabeth Scherer presides over the arraignment of Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelDavid Wilford, left, whose daughter, Maddy, was shot several times but survived the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, speaks with Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter, Jaime, was killed. This before the start of Nikolas Cruz's arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WSVN / Sun SentinelZachary Cruz cries as his brother, Nikolas Cruz is arraigned at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. WSVNframegrab, Pool
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelAssistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill, attorney for Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz, sits in Circuit Judge Elizabeth SchererÕs courtroom before the beginning of a hearing to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The hearing is expected to deal with several procedural issues possibly including setting an initial trial date and Cruz's public defender possibly ask to waive Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz is escorted from the courtroom following his arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelFamily of Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting victims attend Nikolas Cruz's arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelAssistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill speaks to Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz who is back in court in front of The Broward County Public Defender's office urged Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer for a hearing to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The hearing is expected to deal with several procedural issues possibly including setting an initial trial date and Cruz's public defender possibly ask to waive Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz's attorney, Assistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill, waives her client's speedy trial rule in front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court in front of Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelFred Guttenberg listens to proceedings as Nikolas Cruz is arraigned at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Guttenberg's daughter, Jaime, was killed at the school. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelSeveral Broward Sheriff Deputies provide security during Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz's hearing in front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. No trial date was scheduled. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel/POOL
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelBroward State Attorney Mike Satz during a delay in a hearing for Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelBroward County Public Defender Howard Finkelstein speaks to Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer during a hearing to determine decide who will represent Nikolas Cruz on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz's hearing delayed to located a court reporter for a hearing in front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The hearing is expected to deal with several procedural issues possibly including setting an initial trial date and Cruz's public defender possibly ask to waive Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WSVN / Sun SentinelZachary Cruz cries as his brother, Nikolas Cruz is arraigned at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. WSVN framegrab, Pool
Taimy Alvarez / Sun SentinelFlorida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz's hearing delayed to located a court reporter for a hearing in front of Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer to move forward the death penalty case Friday afternoon, April 27, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The hearing is expected to deal with several procedural issues possibly including setting an initial trial date and Cruz's public defender possibly ask to waive Florida's speedy trial rule. The rule generally requires that a felony defendant go to trial within 175 days of arrest unless it's waived. Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the February 14, 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. Cruz's attorney has said he would plead guilty if guaranteed life without parole, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Taimy Alvarez, Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz is escorted from the courtroom following his arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, Cruz is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Mike Stocker, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Beth Bennett / Sun SentinelNikolas Cruz is escorted into the courtroom for his arraignment at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Cruz is accused of opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, killing 17 students and adults. Amy Beth Bennett, Sun Sentinel, Pool
—Newly released surveillance videos show that actions of former school deputy Scot Peterson outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School while Nikolas Cruz was killing 17 students and staff.
Peterson, the school resource officer, resigned after being suspended by the Broward Sheriff’s Office for failing to confront the shooter.
“The video speaks for itself,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that accompanied the release of the video. “His actions were enough to warrant an internal affairs investigation, as requested by Sheriff Scott Israel on Feb. 21. After being suspended without pay, Peterson chose to resign and immediately retired rather than face possible termination.”
The video released Thursday starts less than a minute after the Broward Sheriff’s Office said Cruz entered the school and began shooting.
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As Peterson is seen running to a golf cart, the first 911 call about the shooting is made to Coral Springs police, according to a Sheriff’s Office timeline.
It appears to show people, whose identities are blurred, coming out of a building. At the time, according to the agency’s timeline, Peterson over his police radio said: “Be advised we have possible, could be firecrackers, I think we have shots fired, possible shots fired – 1200 building.”
Cruz was inside the building for more than three minutes before getting rid of his gun and fleeing, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was arrested over an hour later.
Through his lawyer, Peterson released a statement last week saying that he initially thought the shooter was outside, saying that’s why he didn’t enter the building. But Peterson’s own radio transmissions suggest he had focused on the 1200 building, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, at the request of Gov. Rick Scott, has opened an investigation into the law enforcement response to the shooting.
The videos were made available in response to a lawsuit from the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald and CNN against the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the School Board of Broward County.
The media organizations said the public had a right to see the videos under Florida’s public record law.
A Broward circuit judge on Monday authorized the release of the videos.
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