Parkland Shooter Trial Conclusion

Parkland Shooter Trial Conclusion

It’s been over four years since the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 14 students and 3 staff members dead, and 17 students injured. After four long years, the shooter now awaits his final verdict. 

 On February 14, 2018, a frustrated 19-year-old opened fire on students and staff at Stoneman Douglas High School which left 17 people dead and 17 more injured.  A former student at the school had pulled the fire alarm which allowed students and staff members to leave their classroom allowing him to blend in. When asked what the security officers could’ve done better on preventing that incident school resource officer Angela Morris stated, “It is frustrating because, the officers recognized him, but nobody acted on it until it was too late. It’s frustrating because during the shooting the security was hiding and not acting, they are sworn to protect people and decided to hide when the going gets tough”. When Officer Morris was asked how we can prevent future incidents like this she stated it is important that if you see something say something. “Don’t be afraid to speak up if you notice a change in your friends and you notice them having these dark thoughts. Don’t be scared to act.” 

Now in 2022, the 19-year-old stands before a judge for a trial that lasted 30 days. Relatives of the victims attended the trail in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The final verdict was reached on October 13, 2022, with the sentence being life in prison without parole. He was spared from the death penalty by the jury. The official sentence will happen on November 1, 2022. Some of the victims’ families disagree with this verdict as they believe that there was enough substantial evidence to give him the death penalty. When the shooter apologized in court last year after he pleaded guilty to the murders and attempted ones, the families stated that they found the apology self-serving and aimed at gathering sympathy.