Shooter says any inheritance should go to victims' fund

Nikolas Cruz, the 19-yearold accused of killing 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day, offered to donate any money he might be entitled to from his late mother’s estate to a victims’ fund, during an appearance in Broward Circuit Court on Wednesday.

Cruz appeared at a hear- ing before Judge Elizabeth Scherer to determine whether he qualifies for indigent status and is therefore

entitled to a public defender for the duration of his case.

Scherer planned to issue a rul- ing late this

month.

As lawyers outlined various accounts with Cruz’s name on them, Melisa McNeill, his public defender, said the estate of his mother, Lynda

Cruz, is tied up in probate with multiple claims and lawsuits against it. McNeill asked the court to discount

that money anyway.

“Mr. Cruz does not want those funds, whatever money that he is entitled to,” McNeill

said. money. money zation ily facilitate munity believes “He that donated or He healing does the would an would not opportunity victims’ to in an be want our like organi- able com- fam- that that to

to community

about ripened or educate five the months.” over issues our the that last have four

another Howard public Finkelstein, defender, told Scherer, “let it go to those who have been hurt.”

The lawyers did not say which fund they had in mind, nor was it known if the fam- ilies of the 14 students and three faculty members killed would accept any gesture from Cruz.

Appearing in court wearing a prison jumpsuit and shackles, Cruz spent virtually the entire time with his head bowed, staring down toward his lap.

Finkelstein began to reiterate that Cruz was prepared to plead guilty if the death penalty were taken off the table, but Scherer and prosecuting attorney Shari Tate cut him off.

“The state of Florida is not allowing Mr. Cruz to choose his own punishment for the murder of 17 people,” Tate said.