Parkland school shooter sentenced to life without parole

Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz formally received a sentence of life without parole on Wednesday after families of his 17 slain victims spent two days berating him as evil, a coward, a monster and a subhuman.

Cruz, shackled and in a red jail jumpsuit, watched intently as Judge Elizabeth Scherer sentenced him to 17 life terms for the 14 February 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in suburban Fort Lauderdale and an additional 17 for the attempted murders of those he wounded.

Cruz acknowledged under questioning by the judge before sentencing that he is on medication but could understand what was occurring.

The judge commended the families and wounded who testified, calling them strong, graceful and patient.

During their impact statements, many family members criticized the law requiring jury unanimity for a death sentence.

Linda Beigel Schulman, mother of teacher Scott Beigel, had spoken of vengeance when she got her turn to confront Cruz.

Cruz stared at the speakers but showed little emotion, as he did the day before.

When Jennifer Guttenberg, mother of victim Jaime Guttenberg, got up to speak, she started by admonishing Cruz for hiding his face and expressions behind a blue Covid mask, prompting Cruz to remove the face covering.

Beigel Schulman said she takes some comfort in knowing that Cruz is headed to a maximum-security prison where he will have to worry constantly about his safety for the rest of his life.