Parkland school shooter’s penalty phase: Prosecution’s rebuttal witnesses

Assistant State Attorney Jeff Marcus questions a rebuttal witness during the Parkland school shooter's penalty phase.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The prosecutors seeking the death penalty for the Parkland school shooter presented an expert who diagnosed the Parkland school shooter with antisocial personality disorder, also known as sociopathy.

This is in dispute with the defense that Nikolas Cruz suffered alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder because of his biological mother’s consumption while pregnant.

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The prosecution started rebuttal on Sept. 27, called seven witnesses during four days in court, and rested on Thursday afternoon. There was a delay due to Hurricane Ian.

Here is the list of witnesses:

Sept. 27

Oct. 3

  • Scott continued his testimony.
  • Kyle James Horrigan: Student who took the picture of Cruz’s red backpack with an anti-Semitic and racist message that included an expletive in 2016.
  • Robert L. Denney: A neuropsychologist who is board certified in both clinical neuropsychology and forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Oct. 4

Oct. 5

  • Denney continued his testimony in court.

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About the Author

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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