On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz shot and killed 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Earlier today, a jury in Florida sentenced Cruz to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Here are some quotes from the reactions expressed by victim’s families about Cruz not getting the death penalty…
“The system continues to fail us…”
“…we thought Cruz would get the death penalty…It’s just so upsetting.”
“This jury failed our families today…”
“I’m disgusted with those jurors.”
“they either didn’t understand the facts in this case, or [were] dishonest with themselves when they signed up to become a juror, and would never have voted for the death penalty.”
“It’s pretty unreal that nobody paid attention to the facts of this case…”
“It’s just a travesty of justice.”
“It’s anger at the sentencing.”
“Not everyone’s a victim.”
“And the monster that killed them gets to live another day.”
“This monster killed 17 people, how can he live another day?”
“the state’s attorneys did everything they needed to prove…beyond a reasonable doubt…that the death penalty was warranted.”
“If not for Cruz…What is the death penalty for?”
“We are in a state where the death penalty is an option…What’s that for? That’s my question.”
“…should have been the death penalty — 100%.”
“The lack of empathy, and humanity shown to our families by this defense team — it’s indefensible…”
Source: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/nikolas-cruz-sentencing-decision/index.html
Let there be no doubt, Nikolas Cruz committed an unbelievably evil act. No one should have to experience what these families have. For his crimes, Cruz will be punished severely. With that said, I was very taken aback by the thirst for blood expressed by these family members after the sentencing verdict. It’s as if they expected the judge to let them rip Cruz limb from limb in front of the courthouse. Vengeance is not the same thing as justice. You see, our system didn’t fail anybody today…it actually functioned quite well. The jurors took into account all the mitigating circumstances that Cruz experienced before he committed the crime…and punished him as they saw fit. Now, they’re being lambasted. These people should be commended for their service not condemned for their conclusion. Irrespective of the feelings of the masses…justice is supposed to be blind…and it was today…and that’s exactly how it should be. Now, may a healing free from violence truly begin in earnest for all.
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