The defense team for Nikolas Cruz abruptly rested their case on Wednesday after calling only 26 witnesses to testify when a total of 80 were expected. The change angered the judge on the case, Elizabeth Scherer, who accused the defense team of unprofessionalism.
“This is the most uncalled for, unprofessional way to try a case,” is the way Scherer described the defense team’s decision without notifying her in advance.
The sudden change was also a surprise to the prosecution team.
Scherer was also displeased about having wasted the jurors’ time. “To have 22 people march into court and be waiting as if it is some kind of game,” she said. “I have never experienced such a level of unprofessionalism in my career.”
The trial is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 27 to allow prosecutors to prepare a rebuttal.
