Building at Stoneman Douglas to be preserved for evidence
Building where people were killed is fenced off.
PARKLAND — The most notorious building in South Florida won’t be coming down anytime soon.
The freshman building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, site of the Feb. 14 massacre that left 17 students and faculty members dead, is fenced off and bolted shut, never to be used again, but it cannot be demolished and appears likely to remain standing for years.
Michael Satz, the Broward State Attorney, believes the prosecution’s case against confessed shooter Nikolas Cruz will be bolstered if the jury can walk through the building to grasp the events of that afternoon.
“Mr. Satz feels the jury should see the steps Cruz took,” said Constance Simmons, spokesman for Satz’s office.
Although administrators, teachers and students are eager to rid themselves of the eyesore on the north end of campus, little can be done as the case makes its way through the courts, which could take a few years or more.
The building need not remain standing for the penalty phase of the case, Simmons said.
Cruz has pleaded not guilty, although his court-appointed attorneys have indicated he’s willing to plead guilty if the death penalty is taken off the table. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Simmons said forensic work has been completed inside the building, so investigators have no need to keep it standing.
From beyond the fencing surrounding the 1200 building, boards are visible in place of third-floor windows that were shot out during the massacre.
Broward sheriff ’s deputies guard the building 24 hours a day at an annual cost to taxpayers of more than $1 million.
Douglas leaders conducted a bittersweet and emotional graduation ceremony Sunday at the BB&T Center in Sunrise. “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon surprised attendees by flying down from New York to deliver a commencement address that combined humor and praise for the courage and passion students have shown in the months since.
On Monday, a group of student survivors announced a 20-state, two-month summer tour to register young voters and promote changes to gun laws.
On Wednesday, the school year wrapped up for Douglas underclassmen as Broward schools marked the final day of classes.
Another benefit event is scheduled for Douglas High at 5 p.m. today: the “Feis Bowl,” an exhibition football game featuring alumni vs. students.
The game is in honor of Aaron Feis, a Douglas alumnus and the Eagles’ offensive line coach who was killed while trying to shield students from the shooter.
Tickets are $15 at the gate and $10 in advance at msdalumni.ticketleap.com. Among those benefited by the proceeds are the Aaron Feis Foundation and other organizations assisting in recovery from the tragedy.