Four years ago, our community witnessed one of the most heinous acts of indiscriminate hatred when Nikolas Cruz conducted a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
On Nov. 2, the grueling trial of Cruz came to an end when he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
While a portion of the general public, including Governor Ron DeSantis, wanted Cruz to be subjected to the death penalty, his sentence is ultimately fitting for his crime.
The ruling means Cruz will spend the rest of his days locked away, reflecting on the choices that led to his demise.
He will have to recall the faces and names of those who he murdered.
People believe keeping him alive is an act of mercy he doesn’t deserve. However, think about what it would mean to spend your entire life behind bars—knowing you will never leave.
Hopefully, that helps you understand the gravity of Cruz’s sentence.
Though it’s impossible to predict Cruz’s future, it’s known that he will be transferred to a highly secured correctional facility containing other high-profile dangerous criminals.
He will not be isolated, meaning that Cruz will constantly be looking over his shoulder and in constant risk.
Without a commissary account until restitutions, prosecution costs and sheriff’s office costs are fully paid, Cruz’s prospects of making friends will be nullified.
His precarious situation represents a lifetime of uncertainty and fear—the same emotions he evoked in his high school when he began his massacre.
Capital punishment is the easy way out. Killing Cruz would deny him the opportunity to process shame and guilt while he comprehends what he’s done. Additionally, it would rid him of the moral obligation he owes to his victims.
Death comes quickly and easily. Cruz does not deserve that. He deserves time to reflect on how he ruined the lives of those he murdered.
Most importantly, he should yearn for a way out and wonder who he could have been—just like the victims’ families will wonder what their loved ones could have achieved before Cruz took their lives in cold blood.
With the ruling settled, my heart goes out to the survivors and mourners of the Parkland tragedy. I hope you find peace one day.
