PHOTOS: Tensions High as Parkland Shooter's Death Penalty Trial Enters Week Two
During the second week of the trial, witness testimony continues to reveal details from before, during and after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
By NBC 6 ••
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NBC 6’s Tony Pipitone recaps day four of the Parkland shooter’s penalty trial
On July 18, Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooter Nikolas Cruz underwent the start of a trial that will determine whether he receives life in prison or is put to death.
Back in October, the confessed killer, now 23, pleaded guilty to all 17 murders and 17 counts of attempted murder. Now, the jurors will decide his sentence. The jury must be unanimous for the gunman to receive the death penalty, meaning that if at least one juror votes for life, that will be his sentence.
Day 8: Parents, Families Listen As Gunman's Social Media Posts Revealed
On day 8 of the sentencing trial, more details on Cruz's behavior before and after the shooting are revealed in court.
First, a Broward Sherriff's Officer details the night the gunman attacked him months after the shooting occurred. Surveillance video of Cruz lunging at and stealing a taser from the officer is shown.
Later, disturbing search history and social media posts conducted before the shooting are revealed. Many of these directly outline how, when and why the gunman planned his attack.
Judge Elizabeth Scherer goes over evidence with Assistant State Attorney Jeff Marcus.
Nikolas Cruz is being tried in the penalty phase of his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.
Retired Broward County Medical Examiner Craig Mallak goes over autopsy photos of shooting victim Cara Loughran.
Max and Caryn Schachter exchange glances during the penalty phase of the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. The Schachter’s son, Alex was killed in the 2018 shootings.
Broward Sherif’s Office Sgt. Raymond Beltran shows the jury how his taser is deployed while testifying about a jail house fight he had with the Nikolas Cruz in 2018.
Video frame grab of Broward Sherif’s Office Sgt. Raymond Beltran and Nikolas Cruz during a jail house fight in 2018.
Chief Assistant Public Defender David Wheeler cross examines Broward Sherif’s Office Sgt. Raymond Beltran, not shown, during the penalty phase of the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.
Day 7: Testimony Reveals Parkland Gunman's Gun Purchase Process
As the second week of the trial continues, gripping testimony continues to spark emotions within the courtroom.
Former firearm store owner Michael Morrison testified about the day the confessed killer purchased the AR-15 used in the massacre of 17 students and teachers in his school building.
In later testimony, more medical examiners took to the stand and detailed the gunshot wounds that killed the victims. Parents such as Tony Montalto and Max Schachter listen and express visible agony as they learn more about the deaths of their children.
Judge Elizabeth Scherer gathers and organizes evidence.
Assistant State Attorney Mike Satz questions Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab DNA Technician Rebecca Santiago.
Michael Morrison, the former owner of Sunrise Tactical Supply describes the gun he sold to Nikolas Cruz.
The form Nikolas Cruz filled out to purchase his gun from Sunrise Tactical Supply.
Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab DNA Technician Rebecca Santiago confirms the DNA confirmation of Nikolas Cruz.
Jennifer and Tony Montalto listen to Dr. Marlin Osbourne, Assistant Medical Examiner for Palm Beach county testify about the gunshot wounds their daughter Gina Montalto sustained in the mass shooting.
Jennifer and Tony Montalto listen to Dr. Marlin Osbourne, Assistant Medical Examiner for Palm Beach county testify about the gunshot wounds their daughter Gina Montalto sustained in the mass shooting.
Max Schachter, the father of victim Alex Schachter, reacts as Dr. Rebecca MacDougall, the Chief Medical Examiner for Broward County Florida describes the gunshot his son sustained in the mass shooting.
Parents and friends of the victims of the mass shooting leave the courtroom.
Day 6: Uber Driver, Coroners Testify in Second Week of Sentencing Trial
On the first day of the second week of the Parkland gunman's sentencing trial, the AR-15 used in the shooting is shown in the courtroom as evidence.
The Uber driver who took the shooter to the school before the massacre testifies, along with coroners who identified the bodies of those killed in the tragedy.
Shooter Nikolas Cruz walks into the courtroom during the penalty phase of his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Medical Examiner Dr. Wendolyn Sneed, describes the wounds on a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School victims during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Assistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill waits her turn to question a witness during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Robinson, looks at crime scene photos of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School victims during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Assistant State Attorney Mike Satz, checks into evidence the weapon used in the MSD shooting during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
BSO crime scene detective Miguel Suarez, shows bullet casings collected at the scene of the shooting during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022. Cruz previously plead guilty to all 17 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the 2018 shootings. (Carline Jean/ Florida Sun Sentinel via AP, Pool)
Uber driver Laura Zechinni, who drove Nikolas Cruz to MSD, testifies during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
BSO Sgt. Gloria Crespo identifies the weapon collected at the scene during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Capital defense attorney Casey Secor listens during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Former MSD student Justin Colton on the witness stand during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 25, 2022.
The trial is expected to go on for at least four months. Follow live updates from NBC 6 here.
