She was incredible. As a lawyer for over 4 decades, I have never heard a court presentation more effective and composed as this one. I wish the best for this young woman for the rest of her life.
THIS is the speech that mattered, directed at the justice system that "coddles, protects, and rewards evil and weakness". This is the thing everyone needs to hear.
You sound surprised. It's an unfortunate situation but the defense did their job. He obviously could not careless about these victim impact statements. He will be on his tablet playing games soon.
I actually cried as I listened to her describing her pain, loss and sorrow. I felt so moved by her elegant and calm voice. What a remarkably strong and brave young woman. I hope she can find happiness in her life and know that her sister will always be a part of her. I wish her nothing but the best.
Yes! Personally I felt her calm shaky demeanor coupled with her words to be more impactful than the yelling and pounding. Not saying it’s wrong to scream or yell, or that I can tell someone how to feel, only saying that her testimony to me resonated powerfully.
What an amazing and articulate young lady! I’m am so completely proud and in awe of her strength and choice of words in that speech. You are destined for something truly amazing in life and you will bring your baby sister with you every step of the way. Her smile couldn’t have been any bigger or brighter today! 👏👏👏
@@foreverlove8919 I'm presuming you don't have the experience to understand the pain she is going through. So you have no right to have an opinion on her words.
@@foreverlove8919 I'm not with you 100% there, but I do agree that her essay was born out of the pain she's experiencing, the resulting anger, and the urge toward revenge and wanting to hurt the one that hurt her. This is how we behave when we're children, but we eventually learn to master our reactions to our emotions and as adults we find constructive and effective ways to deal with our problems and pain rather than follow our knee-jerk response. Will Smith is a perfect example of allowing our base reactions to get the better of us by resorting to violence instead of using our brains and our discipline to find a mature, effective solution. This is often more difficult and requires patience, but as we mature we understand the value of working to find a better solution and not taking the easy way out.
@@bafflezbiz I really, REALLY disagree with you. I think labelling what’s really a reasonable argument as somehow childlike is incredibly patronizing, blinded, and alarming.. especially given the grief stricken context that she overcomes to lay out exactly how the precedent established here is incredibly damaging, reinforced by both her experience and and her logic.
She watched and helped her little sister grow up. I honestly believe she's hurting just as much as any of the mother's here. Not only that, she lost her best friend. This poor young woman; my heart literally hurts for her.
I mean, not really. Sisters are close but a mother felt the deceased literally grow inside of her. It's a different love, different pain. Doesn't have to be combined as if it's the same thing.
@@seaofflowers. Well, being a mother and a sister, that's my belief. My daughter and I are so close, that I actually believe she loves me as much as I love her. And she definitely didn't carry me inside of her. I don't intend to argue about love because that seems like a disgusting idea, but that's what I see.
You are exactly right. I have 5 big sisters and my title for them is MY MOTHER JR'S. They are like mother's to me I love and RESPECT them just like I do my mom. I feel her pain because big sisters are like mother's their love is no different 🙏🏿!!!
This is the speech that matters. My heart is so broken. I can’t begin to imagine her pain. As an older sister this was my fear for my little sister. The fear alone was crippling. I cannot fathom the pain she is going through but those words she speaks are STABBING.
The jury literally did nothing wrong. They are obligated to follow the jury instructions. The jury are not finders of law, they're finders of fact. And if the jury instructions state that they can't return a verdict for the death penalty if they are convinced the defendant is mentally ill, then they can't do that. People who don't know anything about the criminal justice system need to stop passing comment on it and demonizing the jury.
This young lady showed courage and strength that I’ve never witnessed from such a young girl 😢♥️ I sobbed through her impact statement!!! I hope somehow these families are able to find some sort of peace!!! I’m so sorry for the loss of your baby sister 🙏🏼 May Allana Rest In Peace 🙏🏼✝️
I couldn't begin to judge her words because I can't imagine talking to someone who took your little sister and so much more. Her statement is honest, concise, and heartbreaking
God bless you my darling and all the other poor families you have just broken my heart please keep strong for the future less we forget Malcs with all our Love ❤️ from Perth Western Australia
Such a powerful speech from this young lady. My heart goes out to all of the families of the victims. As a person who has Bipolar Disorder who never has nor will hurt anyone, I find it disgusting that people use “mental illness” as an excuse. We are more of a danger to ourselves than others, people with mental illness usually have a lot of empathy for others, this makes me so angry 😡
I agree with you..i suffer from severe depression..anxiety and panic attacks..I have lost many people in my life..but to me people like this piece of 💩 saying that he did that because he has had a hard life and is mentally ill does an injustice to everyone with a mental illness..he isn't mentally ill..he is a PSYCHOPATH.. big difference
I speak from experience when I say, this young lady has shown incredible strength as she so eloquently spoke of this horrific, life altering event that forever changed her and her familys' entire life 💛🙏
This judge is so strong. She only reacted when it was appropriate and had to sit and listen, see, hear all this. These victims are so strong.... going through something like this. My heart is screaming for them.
i don’t think i could ever pull myself together enough to face the person who killed a loved one and tell them all this. no matter how much time has passed, i don’t know that i could ever find the strength. given her situation and the context, i think she spoke so beautifully. i sat here crying while listening, and i’m sure most of the people in that room did too. that man does not deserve to continue breathing.
Darrel brooks either. She's right basically these people know they can't be punished in today's society. Their freedom and life is already punishment, attention and structures are a reward
Young lady, You have said what so many people, including myself, have tried to say to many others! It's so sad when someone finds a good excuse for whatever harm they've done by putting on a sad face or a mindless head is all it takes to keep them from suffering the consequences, the punishment they so rightly deserve! Stay strong young lady, from where you stand right now expresses the determination you have that will get you to wherever it is you want to go! God Bless you and all those who have suffered in this sad loss! You are a Blessed Child! Marie D
I just want to reach through the screen and hug her. To go through so much and he doesn't get the appropriate penalty has to be heartwrenching. World: send prayers and love to this young lady and the other families.
I send my sincere condolences to all affected by this most disgusting act.. the jury have failed you.. the defense disrespected you .yet the strength shown here is beyond admirable.. I truly hope cold justice is served within the prison walls.. god bless you all from a heartbroken Brit x
+2 suicids. He damaged around 100+ people for their life. There is no way to bring justice. But we should make everything possible for the victims. Every helpl.
@@halleffect5439 There were actually 3 suicides after this monster did his rampage. I agree with you…EVERYTHING should be done for the Victims and Surviving Families… it is so beyond tragic… it’s gut wrenching to even try to imagine what they have had to see…hear… and all the while we’re not allowed to wear a pin or bracelet in memory of those they lost…could not have their phone in the Courtroom…while the Defense had the right to,all those things. This Justice System is broken… it clearly elevates the ACCUSED while stepping on the back of the necks of the VICTIMS.
@@lizzieb6311 the reason they weren’t allowed to wear that stuff was it could be considered to persuade the jury. Which would give the defense the opportunity to go after a mistrial. I’m pretty sure a lot of high profile cases don’t allow phones due to posting on social media and the likes. However attorneys are probably allowed because they may utilize them for notes or looking into something possibly.
@@noca5727 thank you Noca. I do understand the whys… I don’t understand how the Defense can behave in such a reprehensible manner… not only dismissive of the victims and families but LITERALLY giving the finger towards the Parents direction while the monster and her giggled at her vile action. Not appropriate and I would hope she would be disbarred at the end of this embarrassing trial.
She did so well given the horrific circumstances. Her speech was so well-written, there's no chance I could've maintained composure like she did while facing him and addressing the court. I feel for all of these people so much 😞😞
She did amazing. Wow. So INCREDIBLY POWERFUL. "To add insult to murder" 💔 As a Mom, I'm super proud of her. She did her sister, family and all the victims proud. I wish her and all the families as much healing as possible. I wish her a happy life ❤️
Wow. What dignified, poised, and incredibly hard hitting words from such a young lady. Every single word spoken was so powerful and true. I'm actually struggling with what to type.
This lady's strength and character is very uplifting in the faces of such tragedy. She is absolutely correct when she stated that mental illness should not be allowed as a defense. All criminals should be equally convicted base on their crimes, not mental conditions.
Mental illness should matter when a criminal didnt have capacity to control themselves. Cruz obviously did. He was capable of joining a freaking militia. That's capacity enough to suffer the full consequences
I can not believe he can sit there still and not shed a single tear. I do not know any of the victims of this senseless horrific tragedy and I am crying. May God Bless all of these families with peace ❤
@@rro660 No excuse honestly. He could have said he was sorry to her. Even if he didn’t mean it, she needs that to heal. Remorse is powerful when you have been wronged.
He doesn't care. He maintains Eye contact with the victims families unshaken. If he were remotely sorry he'd have his head buried in that desk and wouldn't be able to look them in the eyes. He legitimately doesn't care at all.
This was a powerful impact statement that was well written and spoke. That is one strong woman and I hope life can bring her some peace cause no one deserves to go through the pain these families have
Wow wow wow! What an amazingly strong and well spoken young woman! So proud of her! So sorry you and so many have struggled through all these years with what this miserable excuse for a human did. I only pray those of you who have been effected can find peace of mind again. Please don’t give this monster any more of your thoughts, emotions or time. It’s waisted on him.
Hers was truly the most heart- wrenching speech I've ever heard in my life. Her truths were Undeniable. Unimpeachable. That Jury did NOT deliver a just verdict for those poor victims and their families whose lives will never be the same again. My heart goes out to all of the family members.
She said what we've all felt for years. "They're getting away with it. Fan clubs. Pen pals from the internet. Facebook profiles their families tend to. There's no justice."
He's going to be in protective custody, eating food that expired years ago, that'll be frozen by the time he gets to eat it, being in a small cell that's basically a closet, with maybe an hour of reck, and knowing everyone in segregation wants to hurt him, and with guards that'll treat him like trash. Life in prison is not getting away with it.
I applaud this young lady to the utmost degree. Her message was blunt, directed, and last but not least extremely well spoken. Furthermore her ability to contain her emotions is beyond the ability of me and most other people. I sincerely hope that her words influence future decisions in the legal system. In addition she mentioned that there are more victim besides her sister truly showing her selflessness and empathy.
“17 lives are worth nothing if you can make enough excuses for your actions”, these words, and every word she spoke were so powerful. The one juror who chose to vote for life in prison, is as much hated as this evil creature. The jurors selfishness is almost as evil as the crime. I feel horrible for for these families and all who have been affected by this tragedy. I wish them peace and love.
@@whydididothatoops link proof. It's inconclusive from research whether the death penalty is effective or not. Which doesn't take away the fact that nik Cruz deserves to rot 6 feet under.
I'll disagree. she's done nothing to change the system. She just complained about 1 specific instance that pertains to an experience that she was involved in.
@@jasonb2123 Try listening again.. she LITERALLY went on about how this is going to effect other kids. She brought up other sick people who know they can get away with it. What you said is factually wrong lol
Oh sweetheart 😥 Words cannot describe how incredibly proud your sister would be of the strength, courage, and poise her big sister demonstrated here. You, my sweet angel, YOU spoke justice to her memory. My sincerest wish is for you to one day, find some semblance of peace.
My heart breaks for this girl for all that lost someone. I lost my younger brother when I was 20 also so I feel the pain she does. It never goes away it hurts on the holidays it hurts all the time
i don’t know if happiness is the word you’re looking for. i hope she finds peace. i hope she’s able to continue living despite her loss and of course experience happiness, but experiencing something like this strips your ability to ever experience happiness for a long period of time. i hope she finds peace and contentment.
No justice? Life in prison is a far worse sentence than death. That’s why Cruz himself asked for the death penalty because he wanted to avoid suffering in prison.
I don't think life in prison is "no justice". He's never gonna see the light of day again. If he was sentenced to death he'd spend a couple years behind bars and then be put out of his misery. He's gonna suffer in prison for decades and decades and decades, that seems like justice to me. Just my opinion though.
@@danielthemaniel7934 I think life in prison is worse for most than the death penalty but people get a different closure and satisfaction with the death penalty. Also, people don't feel like we should pay for someone to live another 60 years in jail..
Wow! Good for her, I’m so glad they allowed her to speak and that she had the strength to speak the truth to his face. He isn’t sorry in any kind of way. I feel so sorry for the families
You young lady are so precious and strong, so many prayers for you and all the families who have endured so much pain. God bless you & continue to give you strength 🙏🏼
I think she’s really brave for speaking about how she feels…and I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been in her situation should be able to pass judgment on what she saying. I am sure she is full of rage and sadness. I can’t imagine facing someone who took the life of my younger sibling or any family member. I hope that she finds peace.
Young lady, your sister is watching over you and I am sure she was proud of the way you stood up for her today. I hope you can somehow find peace. This young woman is so brave, her pain brought me to tears and i am glad she directed criticism toward the system that is allowing him to just get life and not death for his monstrous actions.
I'm sooo very proud of this young lady having the courage and dignity to stand before the justice system that let her down and the monster who tried to destroy her life and many others. Young lady your sister is very proud of you too.
May he get his justice through the prison inmates since the judicial system failed the families...Such a courageous young lady to stand up for her sister...My heart breaks for you.. !! May God comfort you and bless you ...
She made so many important points to help people really “get it”. Like the classroom floor being dirty where the kids fell and their blood rotting in the school all these years.
Her speech gave me actual *CHILLS.* So impactful and so beautifully written/spoken. I would've said the very same thing. I hope that all those who were affected by this will eventually be okay someday.
This woman is so strong. The families are so incredibly strong. She has articulated this so well. i’m heartbroken for them, justice has not been served.
I wish so bad they could have given these speeches before the jury decided if the death penalty was on the table. This poor girl. She is so brave and I am so sad for her and all of the victims and their families. You will be reunited with your sister one day! 💜
Wow, this young lady is so well-spoken and talk about strength, devotion and true love of a family member and rising above to speak out on behalf of someone who is unable to do so themselves... I am just in amazement. This young lady is an example of absolute strength I can't even imagine having under those circumstances. How on earth she kept her composure I don't even know. My heart breaks for her at the same time I have nothing but admiration for her bravery and eloquence under extremely difficult circumstances. Let her be an example to us all.
This is an amazing young lady. I applaud her for being so vulnerable and raw, I hope her words stick in his head and haunt him forever. Prayers of love and healing to the families who have endured horrific pain from this monster.
Being on a jury where you are choosing between a death penalty and life in prison is not a position I envy. I feel so heartbroken for these families and their losses. I don't think 'justice' is ever possible 😥
I am against the death penalty. When people hear that they ask me 'Well what if it was your child/sister/mother? And I say I would strangle them to death myself with my bare hands. It's a tough topic and situation and I feel so much for the families of the victims. This lady is a very strong, remarkable young woman.
The death penalty will never be just, is not a deterrent, and with appeals and stays will often be more costly to the state than life in prison with no chance of parole. It also keeps the name of the perpetrator in front of the public--which is exactly what they want--rather than filing them away anonymously forever.
The fact that one person on a jury had the power to spare this monsters life is unconscionable. The law needs to be changed so that a majority of jurors makes that call, or let the judge over-ride the jury's decision.
Just like I said in other videos, “We are at an era where criminals are celebrated and rewarded, while the innocents are punish and hurt for a lifetime!”.
How is being locked in a cage for the rest of your life "being celebrated and rewarded". That is the harshest sentence available in most western countries. They have lower murder and violent crime rates than us without the death penalty. Some places don't even have life imprisonment as an option and they have way way lower crime and murder than us. Nobody insane enough to kill 17 people calculates "gee I might get the death penalty instead of life, I was GOING to kill everyone but now I will sit at home and play solitaire because of the death penalty".
What are you talking about? No one is “ celebrating “ this guy or any other criminal. In FACT, 99% of society makes it very clear how much they despise these cowards, and that’s why we still have the death penalty and life in prison with no parole- EVER! Less than 3% of the population commits the crimes that the other 97% of people are the victims of. What are you basing your absurd fairytale on that society lauds criminals?
Powerful. She prefectly described so much about the feelings of this generation that is facing these kinds of shootings and the failure of stopping it, the hopelessness and cycle of it all while also describing her pain and her broken heart. I'm just shattered.
They are sick twisted little freak to do something this horrific to innocent children. She was incredibly brave to give this speach. Prayers for all the families and people that suffered due to his actions. I hope the prison population has fun with him and gives these people some real justice
That speech was so well written and delivered that I have goosebumps. What a remarkable young woman. I hope she pursues changing the law that allowed no justice in this case. Perhaps mental illness should not be allowed as a defense.
I agree that there should be certain crimes for which mental illness should not be an acceptable or permitted defence. Mental defect (schizophrenia and other mental diseases are different ). And something has to be done about the availability of guns especially to young people.
What a wonderful statement this young lady made in court! It's very meticulous and to the point, and says exactly what she would like everyone to know! Amazing how well written and thought out her statement is!
If there's ever a crime that deserves the death penalty, this is it. Shame that the jury was polluted with people with strong political views against the death penalty.
@@Hard31337 Death brings true justice. Having his miserable life end abruptly and without time for contemplation or self-reflection. That’s what the families of the victims demanded. That’s what they deserve.
@@Hard31337 He should face the same fate that he dealt out. He should feel the fear of knowing you are going to die. As his victims did. WHY should he be rewarded with escaping death? He showed no mercy. None should be showed him.
@@Hard31337 Well that would be fine, except people are amazingly adaptable and eventually learn to enjoy trivial pleasures. He should be slowly tortured by an expert...
The justice system and jury failed these victims and their families. I can’t imagine their pain, their anger. Incredibly frustrating to watch, and I didn’t even personally know any of them. I hope he is ripped apart in prison.
These poor families. How can anyone put into words their pain and suffering this monster inflicted. This beautiful, brave and articulate young woman gave the most powerful statement I have ever heard. 😢
This lady is so spot on about how Criminals have more Rights than those who cannot speak because of others actions. I hope the Judicial System takes a long look at their procedures through her actions. I hope she can heal from all this pain.
So powerful and truly heartbreaking words spoken from her heart ♥ I can't imagine being in her situation but I hope she heals in time but I'm sure that long road will be extremely difficult 💔 much love being sent to her and her sister 💞💞
My friend was murdered on a Greyhound bus in Canada . He was stabbed multiple times while sleeping with music playing from his ear buds . The murderer beheaded and ate body parts . The murderer was declared mentally ill and sentenced to a mental institution . He was declared no more a threat to the public and released with no court ordered follow ups. Free in less than 5 years . Hopefully he stays on his meds . It is a horror .
OMG...I'm so sorry. If we can put down dogs because they have distemper or something else that makes them bite or kill, why can't we put down human beings who are obviously f**ked in the head and kill innocent people.
She was incredible. As a lawyer for over 4 decades, I have never heard a court presentation more effective and composed as this one. I wish the best for this young woman for the rest of her life.
Same.
Well, of course. Ninety percent of being an attorney is using effective communication skills.
@@barneyronnie ... which in no way ought to cheapen her victory or throw shade on her abilitie.
Yes
She was very eloquent. I was crying from the pain she shared and the power she showed.
This young lady is a force to be reckoned with. She is smart, articulate and powerful. I pray for her healing.
110% Well said 🙌🏻
Except she will never, ever heal.
Don’t speak that over her. Will she ever be the same, no. However, she can definitely heal.
@@brittm3922 yes but it take time
@@brittm3922 unless they decide to make a show on this later on then it'll bring all the bad memories back but hopefully not
THIS is the speech that mattered, directed at the justice system that "coddles, protects, and rewards evil and weakness". This is the thing everyone needs to hear.
It’s sort of a double edge sword
They don't belong anywhere in this world.
That was the most powerful line in an amazing speech!
You sound surprised. It's an unfortunate situation but the defense did their job. He obviously could not careless about these victim impact statements. He will be on his tablet playing games soon.
@@thejokeisinyourpants the defense is just part of the justice system.
Absolutely stunning statement. No one can deny that she spoke straight from her heart and said everything that we all wanted to say about each victim.
I actually cried as I listened to her describing her pain, loss and sorrow. I felt so moved by her elegant and calm voice. What a remarkably strong and brave young woman. I hope she can find happiness in her life and know that her sister will always be a part of her. I wish her nothing but the best.
Yes! Personally I felt her calm shaky demeanor coupled with her words to be more impactful than the yelling and pounding. Not saying it’s wrong to scream or yell, or that I can tell someone how to feel, only saying that her testimony to me resonated powerfully.
@@grimtt Yes!!! I completely agree with you on that! 😊💖
What an amazing and articulate young lady! I’m am so completely proud and in awe of her strength and choice of words in that speech. You are destined for something truly amazing in life and you will bring your baby sister with you every step of the way. Her smile couldn’t have been any bigger or brighter today! 👏👏👏
She's sounding just as EVIL. Who talks like that or has thoughts like that?
@@foreverlove8919 I'm presuming you don't have the experience to understand the pain she is going through. So you have no right to have an opinion on her words.
@@foreverlove8919 I'm not with you 100% there, but I do agree that her essay was born out of the pain she's experiencing, the resulting anger, and the urge toward revenge and wanting to hurt the one that hurt her. This is how we behave when we're children, but we eventually learn to master our reactions to our emotions and as adults we find constructive and effective ways to deal with our problems and pain rather than follow our knee-jerk response. Will Smith is a perfect example of allowing our base reactions to get the better of us by resorting to violence instead of using our brains and our discipline to find a mature, effective solution. This is often more difficult and requires patience, but as we mature we understand the value of working to find a better solution and not taking the easy way out.
@@bafflezbiz I really, REALLY disagree with you. I think labelling what’s really a reasonable argument as somehow childlike is incredibly patronizing, blinded, and alarming.. especially given the grief stricken context that she overcomes to lay out exactly how the precedent established here is incredibly damaging, reinforced by both her experience and and her logic.
@@foreverlove8919 you are evil for thinking her speech was evil.
She watched and helped her little sister grow up. I honestly believe she's hurting just as much as any of the mother's here. Not only that, she lost her best friend. This poor young woman; my heart literally hurts for her.
I mean, not really. Sisters are close but a mother felt the deceased literally grow inside of her.
It's a different love, different pain. Doesn't have to be combined as if it's the same thing.
@@seaofflowers. Well, being a mother and a sister, that's my belief. My daughter and I are so close, that I actually believe she loves me as much as I love her. And she definitely didn't carry me inside of her. I don't intend to argue about love because that seems like a disgusting idea, but that's what I see.
@@seaofflowers. bet you're not a mother or a sister.
You are exactly right. I have 5 big sisters and my title for them is MY MOTHER JR'S. They are like mother's to me I love and RESPECT them just like I do my mom. I feel her pain because big sisters are like mother's their love is no different 🙏🏿!!!
This is the speech that matters. My heart is so broken. I can’t begin to imagine her pain. As an older sister this was my fear for my little sister. The fear alone was crippling. I cannot fathom the pain she is going through but those words she speaks are STABBING.
Absolutely. I listened to this last night and one part was replaying in my head this morning.
This speech needs to be seen by everyone. So much strength to stand in pain and give her sister a voice.
Aw I’m tearing up for her! I can feel the pain and horror and disgust she’s describing! Such a provoking testimonial speech!
WOW she was so well-spoken. I hope the jury is hearing these victims. I'm so sorry for all the pain these families have had to endure.
That' jury should be ashamed of themselves....they are TRASH
@@springfox1 the law is wrong. It should be a majority for the death penalty not unanimous. Both the jury and the law failed these families.
The jury literally did nothing wrong.
They are obligated to follow the jury instructions. The jury are not finders of law, they're finders of fact. And if the jury instructions state that they can't return a verdict for the death penalty if they are convinced the defendant is mentally ill, then they can't do that.
People who don't know anything about the criminal justice system need to stop passing comment on it and demonizing the jury.
@@seraphinaaizen6278 you look like the type to sympathize with him…you’re a walking red flag.
the juror.. only 1 of the jury. he's a pos
This young lady showed courage and strength that I’ve never witnessed from such a young girl 😢♥️ I sobbed through her impact statement!!! I hope somehow these families are able to find some sort of peace!!! I’m so sorry for the loss of your baby sister 🙏🏼 May Allana Rest In Peace 🙏🏼✝️
I cried as well. I can't imagine the pain
Wow ❤
I couldn't begin to judge her words because I can't imagine talking to someone who took your little sister and so much more. Her statement is honest, concise, and heartbreaking
God bless you my darling and all the other poor families you have just broken my heart please keep strong for the future less we forget
Malcs with all our Love ❤️ from Perth Western Australia
Such a powerful speech from this young lady. My heart goes out to all of the families of the victims. As a person who has Bipolar Disorder who never has nor will hurt anyone, I find it disgusting that people use “mental illness” as an excuse. We are more of a danger to ourselves than others, people with mental illness usually have a lot of empathy for others, this makes me so angry 😡
I have a brain damage by a terratom in my brain since i am 19.
This "mental illness" thing is a maneuver. People shouldnt fall for this trap.
It is wrong and it further makes people fear mentally ill people, majority of whom would never harm anyone
I agree with you..i suffer from severe depression..anxiety and panic attacks..I have lost many people in my life..but to me people like this piece of 💩 saying that he did that because he has had a hard life and is mentally ill does an injustice to everyone with a mental illness..he isn't mentally ill..he is a PSYCHOPATH.. big difference
the movie natural born killers in 1994 talk alot about this.
I speak from experience when I say, this young lady has shown incredible strength as she so eloquently spoke of this horrific, life altering event that forever changed her and her familys' entire life 💛🙏
She spoke from the heart. Prayers for all the victims families. 🙏💔
This judge is so strong. She only reacted when it was appropriate and had to sit and listen, see, hear all this. These victims are so strong.... going through something like this. My heart is screaming for them.
i don’t think i could ever pull myself together enough to face the person who killed a loved one and tell them all this. no matter how much time has passed, i don’t know that i could ever find the strength. given her situation and the context, i think she spoke so beautifully. i sat here crying while listening, and i’m sure most of the people in that room did too. that man does not deserve to continue breathing.
He'll probably suffer more with a life sentence. He wants a death sentence....don't give him what he wants.
Darrel brooks either. She's right basically these people know they can't be punished in today's society. Their freedom and life is already punishment, attention and structures are a reward
I think I’d try to kill that murderer in the court myself
I wouldn't be able to get through the first sentence. Unbelievable poise.
@@paulclancy2404 now, I'm thinking if it had been a death penalty case Mr. Brooks would have received that penalty.
Young lady, You have said what so many people, including myself, have tried to say to many others! It's so sad when someone finds a good excuse for whatever harm they've done by putting on a sad face or a mindless head is all it takes to keep them from suffering the consequences, the punishment they so rightly deserve!
Stay strong young lady, from where you stand right now expresses the determination you have that will get you to wherever it is you want to go!
God Bless you and all those who have suffered in this sad loss!
You are a Blessed Child!
Marie D
May these words and the pain of this woman never leave the minds and conscience of those jurors.
Amen! They screwed up…
This young woman is truly eloquent and amazing. Her sister is proud of her I know.
This brave girl is truly amazing. Her and her family will be in my prayers 🙏🏼
She's a grown woman, quit calling her girl
I just want to reach through the screen and hug her. To go through so much and he doesn't get the appropriate penalty has to be heartwrenching. World: send prayers and love to this young lady and the other families.
I send my sincere condolences to all affected by this most disgusting act.. the jury have failed you.. the defense disrespected you .yet the strength shown here is beyond admirable.. I truly hope cold justice is served within the prison walls.. god bless you all from a heartbroken Brit x
I guarantee that he'll be getting a lot of longdickings!
Thank you!
@@taramoonshadow7260 Welcome!!
All of their statements are valid and breaks my heart but this woman…really has an amazing mind. He killed 17 people, justice was not served.
@@mia1libra Plus the survivors they leave behind
+2 suicids.
He damaged around 100+ people for their life.
There is no way to bring justice. But we should make everything possible for the victims. Every helpl.
@@halleffect5439 There were actually 3 suicides after this monster did his rampage. I agree with you…EVERYTHING should be done for the Victims and Surviving Families… it is so beyond tragic… it’s gut wrenching to even try to imagine what they have had to see…hear… and all the while we’re not allowed to wear a pin or bracelet in memory of those they lost…could not have their phone in the Courtroom…while the Defense had the right to,all those things. This Justice System is broken… it clearly elevates the ACCUSED while stepping on the back of the necks of the VICTIMS.
@@lizzieb6311 the reason they weren’t allowed to wear that stuff was it could be considered to persuade the jury. Which would give the defense the opportunity to go after a mistrial. I’m pretty sure a lot of high profile cases don’t allow phones due to posting on social media and the likes. However attorneys are probably allowed because they may utilize them for notes or looking into something possibly.
@@noca5727 thank you Noca. I do understand the whys… I don’t understand how the Defense can behave in such a reprehensible manner… not only dismissive of the victims and families but LITERALLY giving the finger towards the Parents direction while the monster and her giggled at her vile action. Not appropriate and I would hope she would be disbarred at the end of this embarrassing trial.
Such an intelligent, strong and amazing woman. I’m so sorry for your loss honey. The court needed to hear this.
Incredible statement from this young woman.
😢I’m so sorry for your loss. You so eloquently expressed yourself. My heart aches for you and your family. And the other families. ❤
She did so well given the horrific circumstances. Her speech was so well-written, there's no chance I could've maintained composure like she did while facing him and addressing the court. I feel for all of these people so much 😞😞
OMG this breaks my heart so much!💔💔💔😢Crying hearing this and she’s right, it’s so unfair!
This young woman was the most eloquent of all I think. And managed it through such intense pain. Blessings to her and her beloved sister.
She did amazing. Wow. So INCREDIBLY POWERFUL. "To add insult to murder" 💔
As a Mom, I'm super proud of her. She did her sister, family and all the victims proud. I wish her and all the families as much healing as possible. I wish her a happy life ❤️
Wow. What dignified, poised, and incredibly hard hitting words from such a young lady. Every single word spoken was so powerful and true. I'm actually struggling with what to type.
This lady's strength and character is very uplifting in the faces of such tragedy. She is absolutely correct when she stated that mental illness should not be allowed as a defense. All criminals should be equally convicted base on their crimes, not mental conditions.
100%. So tired of mental illness being a reason predators are not dealt with so the rest of us can be safe.
Death penalty was obviously correct in this case. If the juror that was against it had her child murdered I think she would have voted differently.
Mental illness should matter when a criminal didnt have capacity to control themselves. Cruz obviously did. He was capable of joining a freaking militia. That's capacity enough to suffer the full consequences
you're right. Mental condition has nothing to do with criminal convictions.
Correct. They use that as an excuse for his actions.
I can not believe he can sit there still and not shed a single tear. I do not know any of the victims of this senseless horrific tragedy and I am crying. May God Bless all of these families with peace ❤
Hes a crack baby likely has damage in his temporal lobes.
@@rro660 No excuse honestly. He could have said he was sorry to her. Even if he didn’t mean it, she needs that to heal. Remorse is powerful when you have been wronged.
He might be drugged up.
@@denisepelton6835 Its not an excuse at all. Im saying its foolish to judge someone with obvious brain deficiencies the same as someone without them.
He doesn't care. He maintains Eye contact with the victims families unshaken. If he were remotely sorry he'd have his head buried in that desk and wouldn't be able to look them in the eyes. He legitimately doesn't care at all.
"Because he was too afraid to receive what he so exuberantly dished out." I can't. That right there summarizes this atrocity.
Wow…so well spoken. You have remarkable strength and courage. So heartbreaking.
This was a powerful impact statement that was well written and spoke. That is one strong woman and I hope life can bring her some peace cause no one deserves to go through the pain these families have
Thank you. Someone needed to say this. The mental health copout is truly disgusting. Evil lives in the hearts of some people
Wow wow wow! What an amazingly strong and well spoken young woman! So proud of her! So sorry you and so many have struggled through all these years with what this miserable excuse for a human did. I only pray those of you who have been effected can find peace of mind again. Please don’t give this monster any more of your thoughts, emotions or time. It’s waisted on him.
Hers was truly the most heart- wrenching speech I've ever heard in my life.
Her truths were Undeniable. Unimpeachable. That Jury did NOT deliver a just verdict for those poor victims and their families whose lives will never be the same again.
My heart goes out to all of the family members.
She said what we've all felt for years. "They're getting away with it. Fan clubs. Pen pals from the internet. Facebook profiles their families tend to. There's no justice."
He's going to be in protective custody, eating food that expired years ago, that'll be frozen by the time he gets to eat it, being in a small cell that's basically a closet, with maybe an hour of reck, and knowing everyone in segregation wants to hurt him, and with guards that'll treat him like trash. Life in prison is not getting away with it.
@@abdallaha92 all that is more decency and life than he deserves
@@abdallaha92 thats 5 star hotel standard compared to what he deserves
@@weltschmerz333 I don't think y'all understand how hard solitary confinement is. In some ways, its' kinda torture after a while.
@@abdallaha92 People that have never been to prison really cannot grasp how awful it is
I applaud this young lady to the utmost degree. Her message was blunt, directed, and last but not least extremely well spoken. Furthermore her ability to contain her emotions is beyond the ability of me and most other people. I sincerely hope that her words influence future decisions in the legal system. In addition she mentioned that there are more victim besides her sister truly showing her selflessness and empathy.
“17 lives are worth nothing if you can make enough excuses for your actions”, these words, and every word she spoke were so powerful. The one juror who chose to vote for life in prison, is as much hated as this evil creature. The jurors selfishness is almost as evil as the crime. I feel horrible for for these families and all who have been affected by this tragedy. I wish them peace and love.
@@whydididothatoops link proof. It's inconclusive from research whether the death penalty is effective or not. Which doesn't take away the fact that nik Cruz deserves to rot 6 feet under.
I'm pretty sure the juror wasn't thinking of herself.
@@whydididothatoops
I don’t even know how I feel about the death penalty. But because this is what they wanted, I wanted it for them.
She excoriates the defense lawyers and justice system. Well done! 👍
I'll disagree. she's done nothing to change the system. She just complained about 1 specific instance that pertains to an experience that she was involved in.
The system isn't a justice system, but a legal system.
@@jasonb2123 Try listening again.. she LITERALLY went on about how this is going to effect other kids. She brought up other sick people who know they can get away with it. What you said is factually wrong lol
@@jasonb2123 The first part of changing anything is speaking up and recognizing the problem.
@@nicole9volt still isn't gonna change the legal system. Sad story for sure, but it's not some game changer.
It is impossible not to be moved to tears by her words, and she represents one of seventeen victims. It’s just unbelievable.
Oh sweetheart 😥 Words cannot describe how incredibly proud your sister would be of the strength, courage, and poise her big sister demonstrated here. You, my sweet angel, YOU spoke justice to her memory. My sincerest wish is for you to one day, find some semblance of peace.
My heart breaks for this girl for all that lost someone. I lost my younger brother when I was 20 also so I feel the pain she does. It never goes away it hurts on the holidays it hurts all the time
“. . .a ruthless monster who deserves no mercy.” No better way to put it.
My heart breaks for her, I hope she finds happiness 🖤
i don’t know if happiness is the word you’re looking for. i hope she finds peace. i hope she’s able to continue living despite her loss and of course experience happiness, but experiencing something like this strips your ability to ever experience happiness for a long period of time. i hope she finds peace and contentment.
Best victim statement ever!!! The justice system is so broken!!
Bravo to this young lady. So horrific. All of it. No justice served here. I hope the jury felt her words.
No justice? Life in prison is a far worse sentence than death. That’s why Cruz himself asked for the death penalty because he wanted to avoid suffering in prison.
I don't think life in prison is "no justice". He's never gonna see the light of day again. If he was sentenced to death he'd spend a couple years behind bars and then be put out of his misery. He's gonna suffer in prison for decades and decades and decades, that seems like justice to me. Just my opinion though.
@@danielthemaniel7934 I think life in prison is worse for most than the death penalty but people get a different closure and satisfaction with the death penalty.
Also, people don't feel like we should pay for someone to live another 60 years in jail..
@@danielthemaniel7934 na sitting In prison is not real justice. Heck letting another human handle your problems is not real justice
@@danielthemaniel7934 Life without parole is the ultimate justice. You got it right. No need to turn evil and take another life.
Wow! Good for her, I’m so glad they allowed her to speak and that she had the strength to speak the truth to his face. He isn’t sorry in any kind of way. I feel so sorry for the families
You young lady are so precious and strong, so many prayers for you and all the families who have endured so much pain. God bless you & continue to give you strength 🙏🏼
I think she’s really brave for speaking about how she feels…and I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been in her situation should be able to pass judgment on what she saying. I am sure she is full of rage and sadness. I can’t imagine facing someone who took the life of my younger sibling or any family member. I hope that she finds peace.
My condolences for your loss. Thank you for your strength and May God bless you and your family.
Young lady, your sister is watching over you and I am sure she was proud of the way you stood up for her today. I hope you can somehow find peace.
This young woman is so brave, her pain brought me to tears and i am glad she directed criticism toward the system that is allowing him to just get life and not death for his monstrous actions.
I'm sooo very proud of this young lady having the courage and dignity to stand before the justice system that let her down and the monster who tried to destroy her life and many others. Young lady your sister is very proud of you too.
May he get his justice through the prison inmates since the judicial system failed the families...Such a courageous young lady to stand up for her sister...My heart breaks for you.. !! May God comfort you and bless you ...
Powerful statements. God bless this beautiful, sweet girl and her sister
She made so many important points to help people really “get it”. Like the classroom floor being dirty where the kids fell and their blood rotting in the school all these years.
Her speech gave me actual *CHILLS.* So impactful and so beautifully written/spoken. I would've said the very same thing. I hope that all those who were affected by this will eventually be okay someday.
This woman is so strong. The families are so incredibly strong. She has articulated this so well. i’m heartbroken for them, justice has not been served.
I pray this young lady finds strength and peace even in this horrific tragedy.
I wish so bad they could have given these speeches before the jury decided if the death penalty was on the table. This poor girl. She is so brave and I am so sad for her and all of the victims and their families. You will be reunited with your sister one day! 💜
Wow, this young lady is so well-spoken and talk about strength, devotion and true love of a family member and rising above to speak out on behalf of someone who is unable to do so themselves... I am just in amazement. This young lady is an example of absolute strength I can't even imagine having under those circumstances. How on earth she kept her composure I don't even know. My heart breaks for her at the same time I have nothing but admiration for her bravery and eloquence under extremely difficult circumstances. Let her be an example to us all.
Beautifully articulated and heartfelt testimony. Well done Alaina's big sister xxx
Beautiful, eloquent, and absolutely heart shattering.
This is an amazing young lady. I applaud her for being so vulnerable and raw, I hope her words stick in his head and haunt him forever. Prayers of love and healing to the families who have endured horrific pain from this monster.
Being on a jury where you are choosing between a death penalty and life in prison is not a position I envy. I feel so heartbroken for these families and their losses. I don't think 'justice' is ever possible 😥
I mean here it was. Easy, death penalty.
I am against the death penalty. When people hear that they ask me 'Well what if it was your child/sister/mother? And I say I would strangle them to death myself with my bare hands. It's a tough topic and situation and I feel so much for the families of the victims. This lady is a very strong, remarkable young woman.
😞 why is life so difficult and unfair?
I can’t imagine the pain of losing my little sister. This is overwhelmingly and unbelievably sad. 😞
I'm so disgusted with the people on the jury who voted against the death penalty.
Religion and someone got mad at two jurors for pushing the death penalty and she got butthurt
@@AndreVasque-s6v like not wanting to kill a kid for a kid killing other kids? Yes religion sure is bad isn’t int!
The death penalty will never be just, is not a deterrent, and with appeals and stays will often be more costly to the state than life in prison with no chance of parole.
It also keeps the name of the perpetrator in front of the public--which is exactly what they want--rather than filing them away anonymously forever.
@@Marlboro-lights1 Must be nice to live in a world of rainbows and unicorns, snowflake.
@@katherinestiletto Killing him won't bring back any of those 17 people, it just adds another number to the death toll
This young lady did an amazing job. So genuine and courageous. Wonderfully articulated. ♥️
The fact that one person on a jury had the power to spare this monsters life is unconscionable. The law needs to be changed so that a majority of jurors makes that call, or let the judge over-ride the jury's decision.
I totally agree
it was actually 3 that voted life
get your facts right first.
@@lilmamagc 1 was hard against the death penalty while the other two were on the fence according to one of the jurors.
I imagine it would be hard to know your vote killed a person even if that person is evil. Not everyone could do that no matter what the circumstances.
I’m so sorry for your devastating loss of your precious sister,may she rest in peace💔🙏👼🏻,sending love and strength to you and your family 💕
The monster doesn't even blink. God Bless these families
Just like I said in other videos, “We are at an era where criminals are celebrated and rewarded, while the innocents are punish and hurt for a lifetime!”.
How is being locked in a cage for the rest of your life "being celebrated and rewarded". That is the harshest sentence available in most western countries. They have lower murder and violent crime rates than us without the death penalty. Some places don't even have life imprisonment as an option and they have way way lower crime and murder than us. Nobody insane enough to kill 17 people calculates "gee I might get the death penalty instead of life, I was GOING to kill everyone but now I will sit at home and play solitaire because of the death penalty".
I’m confused didn’t he get convicted?
What are you talking about? No one is “ celebrating “ this guy or any other criminal. In FACT, 99% of society makes it very clear how much they despise these cowards, and that’s why we still have the death penalty and life in prison with no parole- EVER! Less than 3% of the population commits the crimes that the other 97% of people are the victims of. What are you basing your absurd fairytale on that society lauds criminals?
@@Ausaris Not being fried in the electric chair 🪑 Or receiving the death penalty.
@@Ausaris His life lol
Powerful. She prefectly described so much about the feelings of this generation that is facing these kinds of shootings and the failure of stopping it, the hopelessness and cycle of it all while also describing her pain and her broken heart. I'm just shattered.
This one really hit me. You did great for your sister. You honored her well and called out the mess that allowed this.
So well spoken, every word 😢
They are sick twisted little freak to do something this horrific to innocent children. She was incredibly brave to give this speach. Prayers for all the families and people that suffered due to his actions. I hope the prison population has fun with him and gives these people some real justice
That speech was so well written and delivered that I have goosebumps. What a remarkable young woman. I hope she pursues changing the law that allowed no justice in this case. Perhaps mental illness should not be allowed as a defense.
I agree that there should be certain crimes for which mental illness should not be an acceptable or permitted defence. Mental defect (schizophrenia and other mental diseases are different ). And something has to be done about the availability of guns especially to young people.
@@LG-nb5ur And maybe parents and others who failed to treat those with mental illness should have some accountability.
I had a really hard time breathing through that, and still am. That was so powerful in its quietness.
WOW. BEST impact testimony I have EVER heard. ❤ and She is 100% correct! 👏🏼👏🏼
So now her taxes and the rest of the family members will pay to feed him and give him a bed. What justice is that? This is sick. The jury are cowards.
What a wonderful statement this young lady made in court! It's very meticulous and to the point, and says exactly what she would like everyone to know! Amazing how well written and thought out her statement is!
If there's ever a crime that deserves the death penalty, this is it. Shame that the jury was polluted with people with strong political views against the death penalty.
Forget political views, use your brain. Death ends his suffering quickly but life in prison allows him to suffer for years to come.
@@Hard31337 Death brings true justice. Having his miserable life end abruptly and without time for contemplation or self-reflection. That’s what the families of the victims demanded. That’s what they deserve.
@@Hard31337
He should face the same fate that he dealt out.
He should feel the fear of knowing you are going to die. As his victims did.
WHY should he be rewarded with escaping death?
He showed no mercy.
None should be showed him.
@@Hard31337 Well that would be fine, except people are amazingly adaptable and eventually learn to enjoy trivial pleasures. He should be slowly tortured by an expert...
@@Hard31337 At what cost to the taxpayers? Death is a deterrent, life in prison is not.
I have never heard a more articulate and powerful expression of love and honor in the courtroom.
The justice system and jury failed these victims and their families. I can’t imagine their pain, their anger. Incredibly frustrating to watch, and I didn’t even personally know any of them. I hope he is ripped apart in prison.
These poor families. How can anyone put into words their pain and suffering this monster inflicted. This beautiful, brave and articulate young woman gave the most powerful statement I have ever heard. 😢
This lady is so spot on about how Criminals have more Rights than those who cannot speak because of others actions. I hope the Judicial System takes a long look at their procedures through her actions. I hope she can heal from all this pain.
This was very powerful. What a strong young woman.
So powerful and truly heartbreaking words spoken from her heart ♥ I can't imagine being in her situation but I hope she heals in time but I'm sure that long road will be extremely difficult 💔 much love being sent to her and her sister 💞💞
She is so strong and resilient! God bless everyone affected by this tragedy.
She's is so beautiful HER sister is indeed watching over her, God bless you all💙
My friend was murdered on a Greyhound bus in Canada . He was stabbed multiple times while sleeping with music playing from his ear buds . The murderer beheaded and ate body parts . The murderer was declared mentally ill and sentenced to a mental institution . He was declared no more a threat to the public and released with no court ordered follow ups. Free in less than 5 years . Hopefully he stays on his meds . It is a horror .
OMG...I'm so sorry. If we can put down dogs because they have distemper or something else that makes them bite or kill, why can't we put down human beings who are obviously f**ked in the head and kill innocent people.
I weep for this young lady and her family and all of the families of the lost in this sad situation. 😢
You did your sister proud, now go live a life for both of you!
My heart is so broken for this young lady and the other victims and their families.
@CreativePerson Shame Cruz won't have his moment in the electric chair. Oh and it's shame your life goes on.
what a strong young lady! I cannot imagine what kind of strength that took. Bless her.
What a sad but most touching speech of a young person. God bless her