UPDATE: Parkland Shooter To Donate Inheritance To Charity

Nikolas Cruz, who was responsible for the death of 17 people when he opened fire on students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, has in a bid to appeal for a lesser sentence said he wants his inheritance donated to charity.

Cruz’s attorney announced on Wednesday that the 19-year-old suspect wants any money he may receive as a result of his mother’s death donated to a charity chosen by the families of the victims of the school shooting.

Defense attorney Melisa McNeill said: “Whatever money he is entitled to, he does not want that money. He would like that money donated to an organization that the victims’ family believes would be able to facilitate healing in our community or an opportunity to educate our community.”

Cruz appeared in court for a hearing to determine whether he has too much money to expect taxpayers to pay for his public defenders. He is currently represented by the Broward Public Defender’s Office, which handles clients who cannot afford to hire their own lawyers.

Court records from his late mother’s probate case show Nikolas Cruz stands to receive $25,000 from a life insurance policy and up to $800,000 more from her estate.

Cruz’s adoptive mother reportedly died of cancer months before the shooting and another family took him in. 

 Cruz has confessed to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Valentine’s Day. If convicted of murdering 17 people, Cruz could face the death penalty.