Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The final sentencing trial took place on Thursday at the Broward County courthouse.
After sitting through a seven-hour jury deliberation, many families were in disbelief to learn he did not receive the death penalty.
Lori Alhadeff, mother of victim Alyssa Alhadeff, said, “I sent my daughter to school and she was shot eight times. I am so beyond disappointed and frustrated with this outcome. I just don’t understand this.”
According to Florida law, the death penalty requires a unanimous vote from the jury. The jurors, seven men and five women, rejected the death penalty after three jurors voted for life in prison. The victims’ families will be allowed to make statements on Nov. 1 but the judge cannot overturn the jury’s decision.
