Shooter sees funny side as charges laid for 17 killings

HIGH school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz was formally charged yesterday with 17 counts of first-degree murder, which could mean a death sentence.

The indictment returned by a grand jury also charges the 19-year-old with 17 counts of attempted murder for the Valentine’s Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, in which 17 people died and more than a dozen others were wounded.

Cruz’s public defender has said he will plead guilty if prosecutors take the death penalty off the table.

The news comes amid reports of unusual behaviour behind bars by the 19-year-old (pictured), who was spotted “smiling and giggling” while in isolation, with insiders describing him as “well-groomed” with a “quiet demeanour” and restless at night.

Cruz was housed in a singleman cell in the infirmary and away from the general population because of his high-profile status, CNN reported.

Cruz’s behaviour was noted on February 20.

“Appeared to break out in laughter both during and immediately following his professional visit,” a deputy wrote.

Other notes from three deputies from that day described Cruz as “well-groomed, calm/quiet demeanour” and that he “follows commands, talks softly and very little”.