Parkland School Shooter Sentencing: Victim's dad says ruling was 'another gut punch'

Some Parkland families became increasingly upset Thursday as the judge, one by one, read jurors' recommendation that school shooter Nikolas Cruz spend the rest of his life in prison — not be subject to the death penalty.

Under Florida law, a death sentence requires a unanimous vote on at least one count. Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer will formally issue the life sentences Nov. 1.

The jury's recommendation followed seven hours of deliberation that began Wednesday, ending a three-month penalty trial.

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[charlenemocksing]

The family patiently waited this long for this day just to be disappointed. Our court system doesn’t work efficiently. Criminals are treated more better than the victims. Has to change.

[micheleh]

If only 1 juror was against the death penalty why was the will of the other jurors irrelevant?

[seren]

I am so so sorry for your loss this is just heartbreaking 💔 May they all Rest in Peace 😞

[cathywallace]

I know what is is to lose your daughter by not this way but the pain is there daily and grief .May the lord give you rest and peace

[thomasquinn]

I'm soo sorry what you going thru, that was not justice, I pray for the familys🙏🙏

[kenyh]

I wonder how the jury would feel if the circumstances were reversed! It can happen. My heart goes out to all the families. May God be with you all.

[tom_bout]

I want to know what David and Kevin Hogg think of the verdict too

[helenvega]

Sorry, I never wish bad nor harm on anyone, but I hope that the jury goes through the same pain ur going through to see how they like it. They let this monster get away with this. This jury has no heart. He's laughing at everyone. They lied to everyone. They're monsters just like him. I hope that some how God will comfort u.