By Tonya Alanez / Sun Sentinel
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz on Friday waived his constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer set a May 4 deadline for Cruz’s defense lawyers to demand evidence.
Cruz, an ex-student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, showed up with an assault-style rifle at the school on Feb. 14 and shot 34 students and staff, killing 17.
Cruz is charged with 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder.
Cruz’s brother, Zachary, came and went from the hearing alone Friday. He watched his brother intently, seemingly hoping to make eye contact.
When he took a seat at the defense table he took a quick peek at the prosecutors. His head remained deeply bowed for the remainder of his time in the courtroom.
Zachary Cruz declined to comment. When asked if he had anything to say, he said “nope.”
Nikolas Cruz will have another hearing May 25, where lawyers will discuss how to proceed with the case, including which witnesses to depose first.
Scherer said, “I’d like to go through and figure out how many depositions you’re going to take.
“I’m not looking to pin you down, I just mainly want to get the depositions, if they’re going to be taken, moving along.
“I don’t want this case treading water, so to speak.”
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