By Canadian Press

Massacre defendant’s attorneys want judge to remove them

May 1, 2019 | 5:48 AM

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The public defenders representing the former student charged with the Florida high school massacre are set to ask a judge to remove them from the case.

The Broward County Public Defender’s Office will ask Judge Elizabeth Scherer on Wednesday to order Nikolas Cruz to hire a private attorney with the $432,000 he may receive from his late mother’s life insurance policy. The office made the surprise announcement last week.

Prosecutors oppose such a move, saying any money likely will go through lawsuits to Cruz’s surviving victims and the families of those killed.

Cruz is charged with killing 17 and wounding 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018.

Question of the Week

Have you made changes to your holiday shopping or travel plans because of rising costs?

6h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: The icon who is Taylor Swift

Nov 17, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Business owners shouldn't be held responsible for nuisance calls

Nov 15, 2024

He’s pleaded not guilty but his attorneys said he would plead guilty for a life sentence. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

The Associated Press