Parkland Shooting Trial Reportedly Delayed Due to Hurricane Ian

BROWARD COUNTY (FLV)- The trial judge reportedly said Tuesday that the sentencing hearing for Nikolas Cruz from the Parkland school shooting would be postponed for three days due to Hurricane Ian, which is expected to make landfall in Florida.

KCRA reports that due to probable hurricane effects, the Broward County Courthouse, where Cruz’s trial is being held, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, the county clerk of courts announced on its website. Originally, it was planned for the trial proceedings to last the remainder of the week, with a half-day on Friday scheduled.

After making landfall in Cuba on Tuesday morning, Hurricane Ian is now heading straight for Florida. The hurricane is anticipated to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“Even if the courthouse is open (on Friday) the consensus is to finish the doctor’s testimony on Monday,” Judge Elizabeth Scherer said after consulting with the state’s attorneys for the prosecution and defense.

Dr. Charles Scott, a forensic psychologist, was testifying before the jury. He spoke about the records he examined as well as the time he spent with Cruz. On Tuesday, the prosecution called five witnesses, including investigative personnel of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Scott was one of them.

In the attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day 2018, Cruz plead guilt on 17 charges of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in October.