Families of those killed in the 2018 Parkland school massacre are supporting a new Florida bill that would not require unanimity of a jury to impose the death penalty.
Murderer Nikolas Cruz was spared execution in a Florida sentencing hearing last year when a lone judge opted against the death penalty in favor of life in prison.
In one of the worst mass shootings in American history, Cruz shot and killed 17 defenseless victims at Parkland High School, even doubling up in hallways to finish off some of the wounded.
The jury’s verdict sparked outrage among the families of both victims and Florida officials — including Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Currently, a jury must be unanimous in order to impose the death penalty.
“A judge shouldn’t be able to veto that,” DeSantis said last week. “I don’t think justice has been done.”
New legislation introduced this week will lower that standard.
“It is unreasonable that ‘protest judges’ can deny justice to the families of victims of heinous crimes,” said state Sen. Blaise Anguglia, a sponsor of the law, according to Florida Politics. “These are much-needed reforms to ensure that criminals like Nikolas Cruz don’t get away with just life sentences.”
Max Schechter cries as he reads the sentence for his son’s murder.
Ryan Petty comforts Ilan Alhadeff as he awaits a verdict in the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz.
Nikolas Cruz is shown at the defense table during a victim impact statement.
Max Schechter, whose son, Alex Schechter, was killed in the incident, Support the effort In a tweet
“[Thank you] To enact legislation so that juries no longer need unanimity to recommend the death penalty in Florida. “No one else should have to face the injustice that happened to the 17 Parkland families after receiving LIP.”
Kyle Petty, father of victim Alaina Petty, told Florida Voice that he also supports the legislation.
“I support that 100 percent. I mean, no single judge should be able to hijack our justice system.” Petty told the outlet.
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