'I Can't Live With Myself Sometimes': Parkland Shooter Nikolas Cruz Apologizes To Victims' Families After Pleading Guilty To School Massacre
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Confessed Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty on Wednesday in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the deadliest ever at a U.S. high school, and apologized to the victims' families.
Standing before Broward County Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, and in front of several family members of those who died, Cruz lowered his mask and said, "I am very sorry for what I did. And I have to live with it every day. And that if I were to get a second chance, I will do everything in my power to try to help others." He spoke nervously, "I am doing this for you. And I do not care if you do not believe me. And I love you. And I know you don't believe me. But I have to live with this every day. And brings me nightmares. And I can't live with myself sometimes. But I tried to push through, because I know that's what you guys would want me to do."
Cruz' apology came moments after he pled guilty to 17 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of attempted murder.
WATCH: Nikolaus Cruz plead guilty to all 34 counts
During his apology, he said he wants the families of the victims to decide if he lives or or gets the death penalty, not a jury.
"I hate drugs, and I believe this country would do better. Everyone will stop smoking marijuana and doing all these drugs and causing racism and violence out in the streets. I'm sorry, and I can't even watch TV anymore. And I'm trying my best to maintain my composure and I just want you to know I'm really sorry. And I hope you give me a chance to try to help others if we if I believe it's your decision to decide where I go. Whether I live or die, not the juries I believe is your decision. I'm sorry."
Despite his plea, by law, it will be a jury that decides whether he gets a life sentence without parole or the death penalty.
Defense attorneys are hoping to avoid the death penalty and will likely present Cruz's history of mental illness to jurors, attempting to argue for a life sentence instead.
By having Cruz plead guilty, his attorneys will be able to argue during the penalty hearing that he took responsibility for his actions.
Given the case's notoriety, Scherer plans to screen thousands of prospective jurors. Hearings are scheduled throughout November and December, with a goal to start testimony in January.