By Canadian Press

Public defender wants to drop Florida massacre suspect

Apr 24, 2019 | 2:17 PM

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The public defenders representing the young man charged in the Parkland school massacre are asking to withdraw from the case, saying the defendant will soon receive nearly a half-million dollars and will no longer qualify for free legal representation.

The Broward County Public Defender’s Office filed a notice Wednesdaym saying Nikolas Cruz is set to receive more than $432,000 shortly from his late mother’s life insurance policy. Under state law, the public defender can only represent defendants who cannot afford private attorneys.

Public Defender Howard Finkelstein says his office learned about the insurance policy this week.

Cruz is charged with 17 counts of first-degree murder for the Feb. 14, 2017, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and 17 counts of attempted murder.

Question of the Week

Do you support the $275 million Build Kamloops plan?

2h ago

ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: The U.S. Is facing what might be its biggest challenge ever.

Jun 30, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: A monumental two days for the future of Kamloops

Jun 28, 2024

___

This story has been corrected to show suspect’s first name is spelled Nikolas.

Terry Spencer, The Associated Press