FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The penalty phase trial for Nikolas Cruz, now 23, who pleaded guilty to 17-counts of first-degree murder began on April 4, 2022, with the first phase of jury selection. 12 jurors will determine whether Cruz, who was 19 years old when he took an Uber to his former high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, on Feb. 14, 2018, and shot dozens of people, should be sentenced to life in prison without parole or will receive the death penalty.
Under Florida law, a jury must be unanimous in its decision to recommend that a judge sentence Cruz to be executed. If any of the 12 jurors objects, Cruz will be sentenced to life in prison without parole. To impose a death sentence, all 12 jurors must agree. If they do, it is up to the judge to make the final decision.
Broward County Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer is presiding over the State of Florida vs. Nikolas Cruz.
Judge Elizabeth Scherer
Broward County Circuit Court judge Elizabeth Sherer was thrust into the spotlight upon being randomly assigned the murder case of Nikolas Cruz.
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Sherer, 45, received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and her J.D. from the University of Miami.
She was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott on Dec. 14, 2012. Prior to her appointment as…
