Parkland school shooter called "calculated, manipulative and deadly" as death penalty phase of trial begins
CBSN
The gunman who fatally shot 14 students and three staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, more than four years ago was called "manipulative and deadly" in court on Monday morning as the final phase of his sentencing trial began.
Nikolas Cruz, 23, appeared before a jury that will determine whether he is sentenced to the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. While delivering his opening statement, lead prosecutor Mike Satz referenced three videos recorded by the defendant on his cellphone in the days leading up to the February 2018 massacre.
Prosecutors initially released the videos several months after the shooting. In them, the gunman articulated his plans to be that year's "next school shooter" and kill "at least 20 people."
