Parkland gunman’s penalty trial: Uproar in court as defense rests without warning

Assistant State Attorneys, from left; Carolyn McCann, Jeff Marcus, and Mike Satz speak at the prosecution table after the defense rested their case 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, Sept. 14, 2022. Cruz previously plead guilty to all 17 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in the 2018 shootings.

The defense in the Parkland mass shooting trial rested its case Wednesday, shocking the judge and prosecutors who were unprepared for the start of the next and final phase of testimony.The abrupt announcement came Wednesday morning and sparked heated criticism from a visibly stunned Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, who accused attorneys of wasting a day of court by not letting anyone know ahead of time.

There was no prior warning to the public, the prosecution or the judge. Defendant Nikolas Cruz, 23, did not take the stand, and prosecutors had not made preparations to begin presenting their rebuttal case.I am in complete shock. That is all I will say about the trial at this time. Once the jury renders its verdict, I will have much to say.“We’re not playing chess,” the judge said when the defense announced its intention. “This is the most uncalled for, unprofessional way to try a case.

“You all knew about this. Even if you didn’t make your decision until this morning,” she said. “To have 22 people plus all of the staff and every attorney march into court and be waiting as if it’s some kind of game ... I have never experienced a level of unprofessionalism in my career. It’s unbelievable.”

Lead defense lawyer Melisa McNeill attempted to explain the decision, but the judge told her to wait.Assistant Public Defender Melisa McNeill speaks to the court after Judge Elizabeth Scherer called McNeill “unprofessional” when McNeill announced the defense’s intention to rest their case 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.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Defense lawyers in Parkland school shooting trial unexpectedly rest their case, sparking heated exchange with judgeAttorneys for the Parkland school shooter have suddenly and surprisingly rested their case, leading to a heated exchange after the judge accused them of a lack of professionalism. Mistrial incoming. This is going to end up on court cam under the outbursts segments. Going for a mistrial
Source: CBSNews - 🏆 87. / 68 Read more »

Parkland shooter trial: Defense suddenly rests case, leading to shouting match with judge in courtroomAttorneys for Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz abruptly rested their case, triggering a shouting match with the judge after she called the move 'the most uncalled for, unprofessional way to try a case.' Lock him up, throw away the key What How are you arguing with the judge over a school shooter? Smh. I’ve had enough for today. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🐒🐒🐒💰💰
Source: FOX29philly - 🏆 570. / 51 Read more »

LIVE: Sentencing trial for Parkland shooter Nikolas CruzWATCH LIVE: Sentencing trial for Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz continues
Source: wjxt4 - 🏆 246. / 63 Read more »

Defense suddenly rests case in Florida school shooter trialAttorneys for Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz suddenly and surprisingly rested their case Wednesday, leading to a shouting match after the judge accused them of a lack of professionalism.
Source: wjxt4 - 🏆 246. / 63 Read more »

Judge sets hearing to decide if Casey White should be moved to county jailA judge has granted a prosecutor’s request for a hearing on the issue of whether Casey White, awaiting trial for capital murder, should be transferred from a state prison to a county jail. My opinion. State Prison.
Source: aldotcom - 🏆 82. / 68 Read more »

Defense Expert Testifies About Fetal Alcohol Syndrome's Impact on Parkland School ShooterA clinical neuro-psychologist’s study of the effects of alcohol on fetal mice is the defense team’s latest attempt to secure a life sentence for the Parkland school shooter. Dr. Paul Connor testified via a remote video link Monday that using any substance during pregnancy can impact the fetus. “We do know nicotine, cocaine, heroin, all of those can have an… It’s still not an excuse
Source: nbcsandiego - 🏆 524. / 51 Read more »