Gun dealer who sold Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz AR-15 style rifle testifies at penalty trial
FORT LAUDERDALE - Tuesday the jury reconvened for the seventh day of the sentencing trial for confessed Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz.
The first witness to be called by the state was Michael Morrison who owned Sunrise Tactical. He is the person who sold Cruz the AR-15-style rifle that was used to carry out the massacre on Valentine's Day in 2018.
Morrison said that anytime he sells a firearm he looks for red flags. He told the state, "I came out and asked him what are you going to do with the rifle? And the reply was I go shooting with my friends on the weekend. I just want my own stuff."
Morrison identified the AR-15 on the stand and noted that Cruz made modifications to the weapon post-purchase.
Morrison also added that Cruz legally bought the gun as he was 18 years of age. Today the age to buy a rifle has been raised to 21, it was increased days after the massacre took place.
After Morrison, the court heard from Dr. Rebecca MacDougal, the Chief Medical Examiner for Broward County. On the stand, she identified the wounds of victims including students Alex Schachter, Alyssa Alhadeff, and teacher Scott Beigel.
The jurors are slated to visit the 1200 building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where the massacre took place. We know the judge will visit the school first before them. The day of the visit is not confirmed.
