To everyone bashing him for laughing. The foreman reaction is something called Nervous Laughter. It happens to some people and/or sometimes when stress/anxiety is really high, people laugh as a coping mechanism. It's something invonlutary.
The teacher that shepherded his kids out of the classroom, timing it just right while 18-1959 was reloading or whatever, was absolutely horrible in court also laughing and being awkward, but HE ALONE saved so many of those kids, THEN Blocked the door when 18-1959 tried to get through the door to presumably murder kids in the stairwell...People can be strange but good.
To all those who are speaking of his laugh. This happens when your nervous or uncomfortable. Don't judge him on this. This is not his fault and he's been through ALOT!
That's very true, this was not just a passing bad checks case like the one I served on & dismissed that day. Now he has cameras in his face, as will the others, but I like that he shared how he voted cause this is an outrage!
@@John-kv7jo Are you special?? If only ONE votes for life then it’s life. That’s how it works. They obviously tried to change her opinion but like this guy said “it was a hard no” meaning that nothing could change her mind. Nobody wants to sit 60 hours trying to change her opinion and in the end it doesn’t even matter because she will still vote for life. So they probably said f it you can have your way, we are done with this.
@@Wicked.Artworks I guess I am special in that I would never have signed off on giving him life. I would have stood my ground until the judge declared an impasse like in the case of Jodi Arias. At least in that case I won't have a guilty conscience which would plague me to my dying days.
Having served on a jury, I feel for this man. He deserves respect for speaking out. On mine, one hateful woman refused to convict a father of raping his child. Despite copious DNA evidence and multiple witnesses. There’s nothing you can do, and it’s maddening. Never again.
To the OP couldn't you have planted yourself in a firm guilty position and given the state another shot by forcing a mistrial? It's that what happened it did the other 11 give in?
This gentleman clearly is drained and the laughter is his only relief. My friend's mother died after her long battle with cancer. During her burial he couldn't stop giggling. He said he knew it was odd, but his nerves would not let him stop, it seemed his only way of NOT going crazy. We all understood and let him be until he was able to emotionaly and intillectualy digest everything...let this gentleman heal from what I'm sure has been a traumatic experience.
I am the same I was the only one smiling when my grandmother died its my way of dealing with grief and I'll smile in the most stupid of times but deep down I be upset
Nervous laugh anxiety as a veteran who deals with things the same way it’s not how others think it is. He wanted death like most of America. Kinda surprised he spoke to media. I feel he has anxiety and the media swarmed him and he didn’t wanna say no.
I think the woman who refused to give the death penalty lied in her interview that questions their willingness to use it. This fits exactly the scenario where death penalty would be used. That juror just victimized these families all over again. Shame on her!
I agree with you & it's pretty clear to me, that this individual was likely planted. it is immoral as well as illegal for someone against DP to serve on a DP case. She broke the law by committing PERJURY!!!!!!! It should be considered as jury tampering & that fact in itself is grounds for a mistrial!!!!!!!
She voted based on the evidence that she saw. The foreman said that she felt that he was mentally ill and that changed her opinion. And there were two other people that joined in that feeling.
My thoughts exactly. I think someone needs to be mentally ill to do something like this. And if this means that someone will not get the death penalty because of being “mentally ill”, that would mean that every mass murderer would be spared from the death penalty.
He has brain damage from his mother's drug and alcohol abuse when she was pregnant with him. Not all like him kill people but I'm pretty sure most don't turn out to be lawyers and doctors.
It is wrongly assumed that a mentally ill people can not be evil and only a sound person can be evil. In fact a person can be both evil and mentally ill.
He spoke very well. Props to him for talking up. He should have been asked if he felt the rogue juror had made her mind up prior to the trial starting?
I knew it he was going to face life sentence this young men went thru a lot since he was a baby and now even more that he gonna be serving life is another huge punishment for him to have to deal with in prison for the rest of his life and he has to be monitored by the correctional officers cause he on a suicide watch if not the prisoners inmates may kill him
@@Hernaiz0406 poor baby, huh? 🙄 I hope justice is served. One way or another 🤷 Since it wasn't done in court maybe a lifer will take one for the team and provide the family with the justice they were robbed of in court. I said what I said and I ain't gonna come back and argue my pov or opinion.
I surely wouldn’t want to be on that jury and have to see and hear all that horrible and evil things that incel did. Thank you for your service. You did all you could.
Bullcrap. He was a weak foreman and he just accepted it after finding the one juror who was obviously biased on the death penalty. He will be hounded for years over this rash decision to just give up after just over 24 hours. What a weak man.
@@ARTWV You're probably right, but it is immoral as well as illegal for someone dead set against DP to serve on a DP case. That "someone" is a LIAR & broke the law by committing PERJURY during the jury interview process. It should be considered as jury tampering & that fact in itself is grounds for a mistrial!!!!!!! I suspect there was SEVERAL forms of jury tampering involved with this case!!!!!!!
@@ARTWV No offense taken from you at all. I agree with you 100% & I didn't mean to imply that you were defending them. My wording seems that way, but was not my intention. If a person is against DP, they have every right in the world to stand firmly on their beliefs. However, they don't have the right to perjure themselves in order to assert their belief onto others. That act in itself impedes the due process of the justice system. I truly feel sympathy for all the jurors involved in this case. They have to cope with their consciences & the consequences of their decision. I certainly wouldn't want to have to walk a mile in their shoes!!!!!!! My main hope & prayer is for all the family & friends of all the victims. I hope that they can find some semblance of closure & peace despite this horrific tragedy that's been forced upon them!!!!!!!
My criticism is that since Cruz pled guilty, the jurors should not, and by legal definition could not consider Cruz to be insane during this _penalty_ phase. I'll explain. By pleading guilty Cruz's team was able to forego the "guilt" phase, and keep out a lot of what was certain to be gory evidence and prevent the jury from hearing all the gory details necessary to prove Cruz's guilt. But by arguing during the penalty phase that essentially Cruz was insane, they were contradicting their own guilty plea. Since if he's insane, then he's actually 'not guilty' for that reason, and that should have been the plea. Basically the defense was having it both ways. Essentially legally speaking, guilty defendants _can't_ be insane, and, insane defendants _can't_ be guilty. So it's not really fair what happened, and the jurors should have been instructed accordingly.
Yeah that's not how it works. When you plead insanity, you're aren't saying you are innocent of the crime, just that you seek diminished responsibility due to a mental disability. Essentially you're admitting to committing the crime but wouldn't have done it had you not been born with this mental defect, something no one chooses for themselves. The guilty choose to commit a crime while the insane can't help it, is the reasoning.
Sixty five percent of jail inmates and fifty four percent of state prison inmates are considered mentally ill. Mental illness doesn't prevent you from being found guilty or to pleading guilty to a crime. The only time mental illness plays a part in a crime is if it can be proven they didn't understand what they were doing during the criminal act due to mental illness. Cruz knew exactly what he was doing, despite any mental illness he may have.
Great point! It is illogical to vote against death because he was “mentally ill”. The juror that took that position doesn’t know what they are talking about and didn’t understand the expert testimony. I don’t believe every person on the jury could distinguish between a personality disorder and serious psychiatric pathology which would ameliorate his heinous crimes. Those specific jurors that voted against death were clearly wrong and the families who spoke after the verdict were absolutely right about what they believed happened in the jury room even before it became public. It was so heartbreaking to see the families continued trauma after the reading of this unjust verdict. Terrible that that they were essentially victimized again by one or three members of the jury.
@@MC-vh7go no there is no right or wrong here. If jurors listen to Cruz's sister's testimony, for example, take pity on him, and don't recommend the DP, that's their personal choice. The families may not be getting the revenge they wished for, but they are indeed getting justice.
She “couldn’t do it”. She couldn’t sentence a heinous monster to DEATH after he sentenced 17 people to DEATH. She was a liar from the start. If she didn’t believe in the death penalty, she shouldn’t have been on the jury.
Yes, that's what I find the most disappointing. They were asked during voir dire and she obviously LIED, which suggests to me she was on some type of "mission" to save that savage.....shame on her!!! If you don't believe in the death penalty, that is your opinion....but don't tell a shameful lie to push your own agenda.
You are SO right ! I don't know if you can appeal the penalty under this type of agreement. If it could be appealed... then, the fellow jurors should be able to testify as to how the one or two immediately said they couldn't do it !
@@erinm9568 I couldn’t agree more. This nation will suffer because of this verdict. The punishment was issued to the victims families with this verdict. That’s horrific to traumatize these families again and forever. My prayers to those families
SO, he's ADMITTING it wasn't ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CASE OR EVIDENCE, but 3 jurors - who LIED when selected - radical "hard no" views on the death penalty.
Now the WORKING AMERICAN TAXPAYERS will pay millions to feed ,cloth and house him for life ,while the WORKING AMERICAN TAXPAYERS are already paying because of the Potatohead and high prices.
According to cbs, the foreman said the juror was a hard no because of the mental illness evidence. So she didn't necessarily lie about her view on the death penalty during jury selection. She could have just come to the hard no conclusion after seeing the evidence for mental illness. I don't think we can really say for sure either way.
You are upset that 3 jurors didn’t want to commit murder? We are only industrialize countries that has the death penalty. Even Russia doesn’t have the death penalty. Death Penalty is always a precursor of a tyrannical government.
@@rockinreebz actually it’s not simple at all… A juror could have truthfully answered that she could vote for the death penalty WITHOUT it being a lie if she didn’t feel she could in this case! Come on, use some critical thinking 💭 🤔! Not every case is the same either…In regard to the Peterson trial, there was a juror who admitted after the fact that she did not disclose on the jury questionnaire that she obtained a restraining order in 2001, three years earlier, against her then-boyfriend and a woman he’d been involved with. Regarding the question that asked, “Have you ever been a victim of a crime?” She had responded “No” to that question, testifying that she didn’t consider herself a victim and wasn’t trying to lie when she didn’t include her own domestic-violence incident. “When I filled out that questionnaire, honestly and truly, nothing of this ever crossed my mind…I’ll say it again - I didn’t write it on the questionnaire because it never crossed my mind. I didn’t do it intentionally.” The woman is sketchy IMO and I am not convinced she didn’t deliberately deceive. But obtaining a restraining order can be done to prevent being a victim, so if she hadn’t thought what occurred prior to the RO was DV then she passes on that 🤷🏻♀️ Bottom line is I’m not into “what abouts” when it comes to the complexities of differences in trials.
He stated he voted for the death penalty and the pain of seeing the families not get the death penalty was hard on his heart. He isn't suppose to vote on emotion because he felt bad for the families. He admitted he was in "pain" seeing the families when the verdict was life in prison. These jurors were told they can not vote based on personal feelings, anger, pity and sorrow and empathy for the families but he obviously did... Dude, never serve on a jury again. He had no business being there he was too biased. Yea, what Cruz did was horrific but he did what was told not to be done. Compassion and empathy for families is not an aggravating factor.... this was not suppose to interfere with the juror's decision but he was doing just that.
Maybe you should listen when interviewing, but he said one woman was a hard no and then two others changes their minds, so 3 in all say no to the death penalty.
Bless this man 🙏🏾. So sorry it turned out like this 🙏🏾😔. Unfortunately, you have no control over others' inability to show compassion for the victims and their families, friends, and classmates/teachers.
@Meghan God said an eye for eye, didn't he? Let people have an opinion without forcing your fake religious facade down their throat and keep your lectures to yourself. When will you people evet learn that not everyone is a religious zealot ir even religious people believe un death penalty? And if that's how he decides to show compassion so what ? Who are you to question that?
They shoot and kill an alligator for attacking not even killing a guy who comes on its territory, but they let a killer who hunted and killed children and teachers. Just nuts the world we live in. Now these families will have to go through trial after trial after trial every time this guy goes back to court. Ridiculous. These Resources in keeping this guy alive could go to the families or even his sister. We have 8 billion people on this planet and some of them are being tossed in dumpsters. We really take life and our safety for granted here in the USA
The defense attorneys made the penalty phase of this case a laughing stock. Which in turn made the penalty phase drag out for much longer than needed. He pled guilty, the sentence should be death, period.
Interesting. So the vote was *NOT* 11-1 with some lone wacky juror holding out. It was 9-3. *THREE* jurors dissented. In that case, this verdict must be respected. The prosecution simply did not prove its case for imposing the death penalty.
@@twildabuckingham Screw your head on and try to think clearly. Until very recently, Florida law required just a 10--2 jury vote. The entire basis of that law was that there may be one flaky juror hanging the jury. In this case, there were allegations that a woman lied about her personal opposition to the death penalty. The fact that *THREE* jurors concurred with the minority should give you much more confidence in the verdict than a 11-1 verdict. And indeed a 10-2 vote would have been sufficient in 2016 until the Florida law was changed. Before 2016, even a 7-5 vote would have been sufficient in Florida. " Before 2016, jurors in Florida cases could recommend a death sentence by a simple 7-to-5 majority. And judges could override juries’ sentencing decisions to impose capital punishment even when jurors thought it was not warranted. At that time, Florida was one of only three states that allowed a simple majority of jurors to recommend execution. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of Florida’s law in early 2016, ruling in Hurst v. Florida that the law gave too much power to judges and not enough to jurors in deciding whether defendants should be put to death. The Sixth Amendment requires “a jury, not a judge, to find each fact necessary to impose a sentence of death,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for the majority. "
Why? Did he get his child violently murdered by a racist pedophile sociopath? Yes it was probably draining emotionally but c'mon now, he'll be OK, you people SMH...I bet you don't show compassion for people who really need it.
I feel for him too, the stress of being a juror and foreperson in this trial especially, was overwhelming, I’m certain. All the testimony and evidence presented to the jurors, will haunt them for a long, long time.
I’m not bashing the jury… I’m not from Florida. If there ever was a case for the death penalty, this was it. This set a precedent for the nation that no matter what horrific crime, you will get pampered with 3 meals, healthcare, and housing the rest of your life at taxpayers expense. This verdict sent a message to the victims families and punished them. The verdict was horrific. Horrific to the families, to Broward County, to the state of Florida and to this nation. It is my prayer that this monster gets in prison the punishment that a few jurors could not deliver. I’ll call them hero’s and God bless them that take this monster from the face of this earth. Shame on the few jurors that said they could, but did not.
Nope.... until you are faced with making the decision you'll never know. Think about how many times you've said Yes to something and changed your mind. As humans there are visceral responses. It saddens me for these jurors. The amount of hatred being spewd their way. Nothing is guaranteed in jury trials. It's not guaranteed the the party would get the death penalty. Folks just assumed he would. He's not the first mass killer to not get the death penalty. To be clear... I'm defending our process and the jurors right to vote as they see fit at the time amd to be protected in their vote whether we like it or not. Why would anyone ever want to sit on a juror and face this kind of rath from the public. I wouldn't.
I have a relative who is in prison for the murder of her 6 1/2 month old daughter. She was originally charged with first degree and a slew of other charges but thanks to police and DA corruption in our town which I won't get into, a deal was reached for her to plead 'no contest' to 3rd degree murder w/all other charges dropped. She rec'd 17 1/2-40 years. She has no prior history of illegal issues/violence, however she was the victim of domestic violence. (I am NOT defending her in any way, just want to give all of the facts) She is in a minimum security prison. She lives in a 'dorm' with a few other girls. She has a personal TV. She has a tablet. She orders designer shampoo and name brand sneakers from the commissary. She and the others on her floor are allowed to roam freely (on their floor only). They're allowed to use the kitchen. A few weeks ago, they were treated to Chick-Fil-A. This is the perfect example of the precedent you're referring to. Kill a baby and live in a prison that is basically summer camp and do so on taxpayer's dime. What a crock of B.S. Prison is supposed to be punishment yet these prisoners have it made behind bars. Disgusting.
More drama queen BS . This doesn't send any type of message. This was one case and those who didn't vote for death were entitled to do so based on evidence they heard in court. And the death penalty has proven to not be a crime deterrent. Even if he was given death , that will not prevent another lunatic from doing this type of shooting again. The DC sniper John Mohammed was executed , Ted Bundy- executed , John Wayne Gacy -executed. etc. Then why are there still serial killers ?
@@simster1001 unlikely....its not 1990 anymore and he will be guarded even taking a shower. Any guard that looks the other way will expect a lawsuit, and loss of job. Nah he will be cushy with some of that big inheritance money and with his personality he will do ok he hates ppl anyway.
I understand why they went for life instead of death. The foreman clearly said that there was a lady who did not want the death penalty no matter what. It sounds like she made that decision before the trail could even begin. So, they had to settle for the life sentence. If any can remember, jury selection was a mess just to prevent this from happening. But one got in anyway and screwed it up for everyone. I've been served in a criminal case before and it was not fan. IF this case is not a death penalty, I don't know what will. I don't think death penalty should be agreed upon by everyone. Majority!! It only takes one folks.
Sounds like after hearing Cruz's mental state she changed her mind which she's allowed to do and couldn't in her heart give him death! Her and two others did the same.
That is NOT what he said . You have absolutely no proof that the juror decided before hearing evidence. He said the lady believed him to be mentally ill and was not comfortable giving the death penalty. Two other jurors changed their vote after initially voting for death. And unfortunately for you , our system requires that jury findings are unanimous and frankly when it's the death penalty at stake , it should be unanimous.
Thank you for your service on the jury panel. We hoped for the victims to get justice. However, they did not. You made the right decision, you spoke from your heart, you voted for the death penalty and many others except 3 !! Thank you Mr. Foreman.
Lol The jurors did their job. Enough with your nonsense. If you killed someone by sending them to die, you'll be shi tting yourself with regret when you're about to die. You'll regret killing someone with the death penalty at that time I bet.
@@Cgalloway2000 Human compassion, so make the guy suffer in his cell the rest of his life. They're cowards that couldn't put themselves to the side for a brief moment in their life. It's all about how they view themselves, not the families.
you should NEVER be on a jury if you feel bad for the defendant because he/she is obviously disturbed, you've already made up your mind before the trial even begins - get out of duty and let someone with some balls take your spot take over
I do not think that jurors should be in charge of deciding between life and DP. I never had an issue with it until the Jodi Arias trial. 11 voted for the DP, 1 refused to do so. According to some of the 11 that spoke out after the trial, they believe the holdout juror never ever had any intention of even considering the DP. She (allegedly) told the jurors she could never vote for the DP despite testifying under oath during jury selection she could. If true, she lied her way onto the jury to make sure JA didn't get death. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Let the judge decide between life and DP.
Talk to their lawyers use this case as precedent. The death penalty has been rendered ineffective in Broward County. If one can murder 17 innocent people in a planned concise manner and get life while not declaring insanity then that shows it is the jury at fault.
This isn’t the first case and it won’t be the last. Cases all over the United States that are all over the place with convictions and sentencing. It’s always bewildered me because it doesn’t make sense. But it’s our justice system. We need A LOT of changes to be made!
I understand mental health being a problem, the killer had a crap mother who exposed him to drugs in utero etc, etc. What I don't understand is how the fact that it was absolutely cruel treatment of the victims, the fact it was VERY premeditated, the fact he had all the opportunity in the world to seek help for his issues, how disrespectful him and his defense team were in court, and more, was completely disregarded. People have been sentenced to death for much less and its common for people committing this level of crime to have had horrible upbringings, the difference is this guy is completely sane and was more than aware of what he was doing. It's a disgrace and I still can't believe this is the outcome. Extremely disappointing.
@@cristianflores1588 he said that a specific juror said she was a hard no for the death penalty and another two ended up voting the same way. So how can you say it was only 1?
The jurors who voted for LWOP will go through hell. They’ll be doxxed; they’ll receive creepy, maybe threatening, phone calls, letters and visits. I moved and changed my name, under seal, after testifying for the prosecution in a capital case.
I remember there was a letter about a female jury member, and it was sent in by somebody at her doctor's office. The letter stated that she had discussed or divulged some information with somebody at the office. The judge only asked her verbally and she said the letter was a lie. Does anybody else remember this?
pppffff she had a Heart for him ... where was her Heart for the 17 dead souls in the dark Graves? For their Family and Friends?!?? ..... she can take her Heart and put it deep somewhere where the Sun never shines .... !!!
I'm mentally ill, I'm also a mother to a teenager and this is disgusting. Mental illness doesn't mean you can get a pass for murdering 17 human beings! I didn't believe in the death penalty until this case. Thank goodness Im not from the US, I'm sorry to everyone who this has affected.
You serious?? You feel for them?? What about the children who were murdered, who were left to die while soaking in their own blood, the parents who had to suffer daily and now, see the response of jurors who think this is funny. These people made a choice, they will get to go home to their children, their families, and this will be a distant memory. It makes me sick and absolutely breaks my heart. I feel so much for these families. Watching these people, these parents, the siblings, the friends, I feel a closeness to them. They are no longer a name but a face. This is a horrible day for them (families not the useless jurors).
9 of them voted for the death penalty; they sat through that and watched 3 people be manipulated by a murderous narcissist who's looking forward to life ... [in a special mental ward? or the general population?] The jury did that for the victims, the families, society and are as devastated as the families themselves to see the murderer victorious after all of that. 1 is feeling pretty chuffed, 2 are now doubting and will forever doubt the decision they made in a moment of emotional weakness. Nonetheless, 1-11 the 1 lone vote would be the decider for life. That's all it takes. Just another example of the system of American fairness and justice being exploited. We allow it in order to keep the system there for those who truly need the help.
That 1 women should not have been on that jury. They ask you questions before you get on a death penalty and she lied when the judge asked her if she was okay with voting for the death penalty.
5 hours. 5 hours was all the time they took trying to decide such a monumental case. And I don't want to hear his crap about we looked through all the evidence. How could you possibly look through all of the evidence of a trial that lasted for months in just five hours? It's not even a full work day. They didn't even try. After they have hit the first road block they just threw up their hands and decided there was nothing they could do. Absolutely disgusting.
Like the guy said everyone has a right to their opinion. Cruz never denied it, and the fact that it took 4 years to even go to trail is a violation of the constitution anyways. You can not blame or not allow a Juror to serve a civil duty because of their religious beliefs. This was a vary difficult case for even the public to hear and they redacted a lot of details. The people that are saying justice was not served were the ones voting for the death penalty since day one before hearing all the evidence. It’s a two way road you can’t have it one way. May God Bless America 🇺🇸
Here in the UK we don't have the death penalty but we do have a moral code between prisoners that anyone who harms women or children gets their dues in prison ☠
@@icespeaker81 either you have never been in prison ?, or, you just weren't in a prison that goes by these prisoner rules ?. they do, they will..and they can take Justice into action !.
The way I see it is if this guy doesn't deserve the death penalty, Nobody does. All inmates currently on death row in florida should be asking for an appeal based on this case.
I give this man credit were credit is due, it's not always Easy when you have other opinions you have to consider speaking of Jurors.. Thank you for your Service 👍
Life without is a death sentence in its own way. A death sentence is an escape. Especially when the defendant WANTS death. Why should anyone who does what these ppl do be able to get what they want?!
I agree that Death is the easy way out BUT those Jurors made a Statement about what crimes you can commit in America and get away with..... Now, mass murderers just need to pull out the DSM 5 and start looking for a diagnosis to pursue before they commit their crime!
He didn't want to die. If he did, there wouldn't of been a trial. He said all that to make people feel bad for him like he has done his entire life to get what he wants.
Why did the jurors that wanted the death penalty give into those that didn’t? I honestly don’t understand. Why couldn’t they just agree to disagree, and declare a mistrial? I’m just trying to understand
I feel like they could have argued a bit more. It feels like they didn’t really try much to change people’s minds, or even debate the issue much. Just took a vote, slept on it, and took another vote. The families deserved more and the victims deserved at least SOME debate. They capitulated way too easily.
I’m from the UK, so I fully appreciate laws are different.. but please could someone tell me if, what I’ve been led to believe is true…… on another video showing the trial (can’t recall which one, as I’ve followed this case from the onset, when he 1st did it) A few comments said “Before you are elected to be a jury member, you are asked various questions, for example, your thoughts on the death penalty, religion, & thought process of life, death, prison, questions along those lines. So, with all that being said, IF the lady answered she didn’t agree with the death penalty & would never ever choose that way of punishment, would she still be chosen to oversee the case & make a decision with other jurors??? In sounds like she was a NO from the onset, maybe she never had any intention to vote for death sentence. I personally think it’s wrong to choose a juror who doesn’t agree with Death sentence, how on earth could she serve on a jury if she disagrees with D.S???? Sorry for long question, hope you know what I mean & I’ve explained myself properly.
The jury system is wrong it should be majority rule or hung jury. Instead 1 hold out can flip a decision. Not legal or moral by any sense of the word. Our world is full of people with vastly different moral compasses and are willing to lie to exercise their morality in a death sentence case. This was not an insanity case. I wonder why hmm
This is what many are arguing. Saying that one juror it sounds like was always opposed to the DP which means if she had been truthful about that, then the prosecution would have cut her from the jury and she wouldn't have made it on. Others are saying maybe she thought she could impose the DP (hence she didn't lie), but when it came down to it, she couldn't. I don't know which way is correct. However, based simply on the evidence of the mitigating and aggravating factors, the mitigating factors did NOT outweigh the aggravating ones and therefore he should have received the DP. So in my opinion, I feel the juror had to have lied in the beginning knowing she would never have voted for death. But that's just my opinion.
@@ashleydaniell1553 thank you so much for your reply. I agree with you 100%. Some people are saying “yes but he’s mentally ill, he has some form of brain damage etc” UM NOPE, he’s actually quite articulate, sly, conniving, manipulative and just damn right evil. Isn’t everyone who commits a heinous crime “gone in the head” yes they are, BUT, To show sympathy to him is actually a kick in teeth. He had enough “Brain Function” to premeditate, organise, plan, arrange, carry out & see through his acts that day. There was proof galore he planned it all. I know numerous people with brain damage, majority of them couldn’t hurt a fly, couldn’t buy a pint of milk, couldn’t use a cashpoint, or even comprehend a diary, clock times, and order a taxi, let alone use a gun. There are some who hurt themselves, not others. No way in hell, did that animal deserve life sentence. He should of been disposed of. He’s getting EXACTLY what he wanted, videos, articles, news reports, fans, his face planted everywhere on social media. He’s got his “notoriety” what he always wanted it, attention. He will also get 3 meals a day, a bed, TV, a cushy little job on the wing, pocket money, visitors, phonecalls, PlayStation, snacks, clean clothes, exercise and more. The victims had the death penalty, & their families had the life sentence. This piece of crap still has a chance of an education in jail. BS the lot of it. No justice whatsoever. Sorry for rant & essay, but it makes my blood boil
This guys been through a lot. Give him a break. He’s probably incredulous to the outcome. Thanks for your service to all 12 jurors. It’s democracy. I think capital punishment should be given way more than it is. And stop these 30 year tenures on death row. No more than 10 years, obviously with a few exceptions. This was a capital punishment cases for sure.
This was a very trying and emotionally draining case to deal with from the beginning!! First off, prayers and condolences to the families of the victims and all those that were affected by this tragedy. Secondly thank you to the jury for having the bravery and doing your civic duty. Thirdly the only of other explanation that I can come up with as to why the 1 juror voted against the death penalty is the fact that he/she is a Christian. It seems as though she was having compassion for him, and wanted to spare his life, despite the horrible act that he did. As a Christian myself, I'm not a fan of the death penalty and it would be hard for me to vote for it. As Christians, we are taught to forgive our fellow man as we look forward to the day of seeing GOD'S face in peace!! Just my thoughts though!!
Most of the civilized world abolished the death penalty long ago except brutal regimes like China Saudi Arabia Iran etc Even Cuba hasn’t executed anyone since 2003. The death penalty is too often applied to the poor, mentally ill or minorities. Also it is estimated about 4% of those executed never murdered anyone.
I heard the foreman and several others bullied the juror with the hard no. She came out later to say they threatened her into trying to change her mind.
My heart goes out to the families. How can the world expect that one juror wouldn't agree with the death penalty? These are random working people that have morals, values, religious views. This definitely was expected life in prison. It was like playing the lottery on winning. The one juror didn't fail, she went in and did her job and was allowed to make her finally decision. The Governments are the ones who failed, they allow guns, fix the problem with gun control. Cruz needed mental help since he was a child, never received. Make mental awareness more aware and more help. Take your anger now and fight for rights of gun control.
He got plenty of mental help and educational help. And could we please stop excusing this criminal by saying who failed? Nothing excuses what he did and the fact that he enjoyed it should send chills up your spine.
Yeah but they are not supposed to be serving on the jury in the first place if they are morally against the death penalty! FFS ANYONE who commits a mass shooting HAS to be mentally ill.
@@Jessi4JC really i thought all jurors were to stay anonymous thats why they dont show or usually name them in trials and once the trials are done the judge givee them the option to stay anonymous or speak to media etc if they want to
I’m sure if the jurors that voted against the death penalty switched positions with the families that lost their children they would of voted differently
Ms. "Hard No" will have to bear the guilt, should the mass murderer kill a guard while serving his life sentence. He has already tried to taser a guard after assaulting him. MHO
This is a nervous laugh. A fake laugh is when Amber Heard makes fun of Johnny Depp being on 21 Jump Street and he said stop with that fake laugh…AQUA MAN 😂😂😂
JURY Foreman and jury should not come out publicly this early. Too many people hurt, too many emotions, nobody should know what went on in confidentiality.
The law says that once they are dismissed as jurors they can talk about their deliberations. The foreman did nothing wrong but the 3 jurors who voted against the death penalty sure did.
Nope! She went in knowing if she had to she could. However after hearing he had mental illness changed her mind and couldn't do it. 1. She's allowed to change her mind 2. There were 3 total that voted life, it was clearly stated in this video
@@twildabuckingham um no they didn’t vote unanimously. Three voted against the death penalty which was their plan all along. The judge cannot overturn that.
Just imagine what those jury members saw, when they walked through the crime scene, I think it will haunt them forever. And yes, the person who voted NO, I really truly hope something this horrible doesn't happen to one of your loved ones. NC planned every step of the way, no brain damage there. They shifted blame to his mother for drinking while pregnant, believe me there are thousands of people walking this earth, who's mother's also drank while being pregnant, how many of them turned into mass murders? THAT WAS HIS CHOICE, INSTEAD OF BLAMING EVEYONE FOR HIS SITUATION, HE COULD HAVE CHOSEN TO BE A BETTER PERSON, AND TO RISE ABOVE HIS CERCUMSTANSES, HE CHOSE HIS DESTINY!!!
If you watch the video when the Judge excuses the alternates, you can see Melissa McNeill smile and look to Tamara Curtis and they both smile. THEY KNEW they were going to win at that moment. They knew Denise Cunha would hold out on the DP and vote Life.
I would have stayed until I did change their minds . I only wish the Death sentence was quicker. If he got Death ,he would have appealed it for years . Let's hope he gets released in General population And the inmates serve justice!
@@lumpstersmouse5471 oh so somehow you know better than the juror himself that did the interview after the trial? And the family members that said the same after the trial?
I am so sorry this case turned out with this verdict. N.c is an absolute monster.. he must be punished to the absolute maximum our law allowed. Florida has death as this punishment.. he made the choice of commiting mass murder in a death penalty state. I'm outraged that there is no justice for these families.
Pretty sure the judge said they are not allowed to decide off feelings and morals. They have to decide off facts and evidence. Sounds like that one juror lied on their jury form if they were not going to change their mind at all.
To everyone bashing him for laughing. The foreman reaction is something called Nervous Laughter. It happens to some people and/or sometimes when stress/anxiety is really high, people laugh as a coping mechanism. It's something invonlutary.
or maybe he was stoned
Nobody cares.. can bash this pos all we want
The teacher that shepherded his kids out of the classroom, timing it just right while 18-1959 was reloading or whatever, was absolutely horrible in court also laughing and being awkward, but HE ALONE saved so many of those kids, THEN Blocked the door when 18-1959 tried to get through the door to presumably murder kids in the stairwell...People can be strange but good.
He doesn't look that bothered
💕
To all those who are speaking of his laugh. This happens when your nervous or uncomfortable. Don't judge him on this. This is not his fault and he's been through ALOT!
💯. Laughing stimulates the nervous system. It’s not disrespectful to regulate your own emotions.
That's very true, this was not just a passing bad checks case like the one I served on & dismissed that day. Now he has cameras in his face, as will the others, but I like that he shared how he voted cause this is an outrage!
Arthur agrees with you 😂
Agree
I figured that's what it was.
The jury foreman is a class act. Every member of that jury, makes there own decision. He didn't like it, but he respected it l.
So why did they end up voting for life in prison? Why didn't the foreman and the rest who voted for death stand their ground?
@@John-kv7jo Are you special?? If only ONE votes for life then it’s life. That’s how it works. They obviously tried to change her opinion but like this guy said “it was a hard no” meaning that nothing could change her mind. Nobody wants to sit 60 hours trying to change her opinion and in the end it doesn’t even matter because she will still vote for life. So they probably said f it you can have your way, we are done with this.
Everyone did not agree to death sentence.
@@Wicked.Artworks I guess I am special in that I would never have signed off on giving him life. I would have stood my ground until the judge declared an impasse like in the case of Jodi Arias. At least in that case I won't have a guilty conscience which would plague me to my dying days.
@Meghan When you deny justice to a group of people you will have to live with that regret for the rest of your life.
Having served on a jury, I feel for this man. He deserves respect for speaking out. On mine, one hateful woman refused to convict a father of raping his child. Despite copious DNA evidence and multiple witnesses. There’s nothing you can do, and it’s maddening. Never again.
I've served on quite a few juries and luckily never ran into a juror like that. But I agree with this guy , I will serve if called again.
@@mizzury54 I would too at the end of the day, as it really is a civic duty. Hopefully, it’ll be years down the road!
@IsIt2024yet? Some people just don't want to believe the truth!
To the OP couldn't you have planted yourself in a firm guilty position and given the state another shot by forcing a mistrial? It's that what happened it did the other 11 give in?
@@EricK-tb2dn it was a hung jury 🫤
This gentleman clearly is drained and the laughter is his only relief. My friend's mother died after her long battle with cancer. During her burial he couldn't stop giggling. He said he knew it was odd, but his nerves would not let him stop, it seemed his only way of NOT going crazy. We all understood and let him be until he was able to emotionaly and intillectualy digest everything...let this gentleman heal from what I'm sure has been a traumatic experience.
Yes. These jurors saw awful things. I can’t imagine how horrifying walking through the school building was.
I am the same I was the only one smiling when my grandmother died its my way of dealing with grief and I'll smile in the most stupid of times but deep down I be upset
I appreciate this guy showing his raw emotions and truth. Hats off to him
BS
Nervous laugh anxiety as a veteran who deals with things the same way it’s not how others think it is. He wanted death like most of America. Kinda surprised he spoke to media. I feel he has anxiety and the media swarmed him and he didn’t wanna say no.
The judge did tell them they had the right not to speak to anyone about it if they didn't want to.
I think he wanted to make sure the public knew his vote
Thank you Benjamin for your service 🙏
I can only imagine how difficult it was to serve on this jury.
I think the woman who refused to give the death penalty lied in her interview that questions their willingness to use it. This fits exactly the scenario where death penalty would be used. That juror just victimized these families all over again. Shame on her!
I agree with you & it's pretty clear to me, that this individual was likely planted. it is immoral as well as illegal for someone against DP to serve on a DP case. She broke the law by committing PERJURY!!!!!!! It should be considered as jury tampering & that fact in itself is grounds for a mistrial!!!!!!!
absolutely
@@redlinemando planted? Man the conspiracists are everywhere.
I hope she never experience this type of pain due to a remorseless killer and Justice is in the hands of another.
She voted based on the evidence that she saw. The foreman said that she felt that he was mentally ill and that changed her opinion. And there were two other people that joined in that feeling.
Anyone who commits such a heinous crime is “mentally ill.” As if there’s a sane way to do it. The jurors disgust me.
My thoughts exactly. I think someone needs to be mentally ill to do something like this. And if this means that someone will not get the death penalty because of being “mentally ill”, that would mean that every mass murderer would be spared from the death penalty.
He has brain damage from his mother's drug and alcohol abuse when she was pregnant with him. Not all like him kill people but I'm pretty sure most don't turn out to be lawyers and doctors.
People who are disappointed that someone didn’t get the death penalty are not right either.
The death penalty shouldn't exist anyway. It's not handed out fairly at all.
It is wrongly assumed that a mentally ill people can not be evil and only a sound person can be evil. In fact a person can be both evil and mentally ill.
He spoke very well. Props to him for talking up. He should have been asked if he felt the rogue juror had made her mind up prior to the trial starting?
I knew it he was going to face life sentence this young men went thru a lot since he was a baby and now even more that he gonna be serving life is another huge punishment for him to have to deal with in prison for the rest of his life and he has to be monitored by the correctional officers cause he on a suicide watch if not the prisoners inmates may kill him
@@Hernaiz0406 poor baby, huh? 🙄 I hope justice is served. One way or another 🤷 Since it wasn't done in court maybe a lifer will take one for the team and provide the family with the justice they were robbed of in court. I said what I said and I ain't gonna come back and argue my pov or opinion.
@@Hernaiz0406 grow up.
These situations can end up having the jurors feel like victims as well. I feel for this gentleman.
I surely wouldn’t want to be on that jury and have to see and hear all that horrible and evil things that incel did. Thank you for your service. You did all you could.
Bullcrap. He was a weak foreman and he just accepted it after finding the one juror who was obviously biased on the death penalty. He will be hounded for years over this rash decision to just give up after just over 24 hours. What a weak man.
@@azcatlover your not gonna change the mind of someone that is dead set against the death penalty.
@@ARTWV You're probably right, but it is immoral as well as illegal for someone dead set against DP to serve on a DP case. That "someone" is a LIAR & broke the law by committing PERJURY during the jury interview process. It should be considered as jury tampering & that fact in itself is grounds for a mistrial!!!!!!! I suspect there was SEVERAL forms of jury tampering involved with this case!!!!!!!
@@redlinemando yes it is. If your against it you need to be honest. I’m not defending that person at all.
@@ARTWV No offense taken from you at all. I agree with you 100% & I didn't mean to imply that you were defending them. My wording seems that way, but was not my intention.
If a person is against DP, they have every right in the world to stand firmly on their beliefs. However, they don't have the right to perjure themselves in order to assert their belief onto others. That act in itself impedes the due process of the justice system.
I truly feel sympathy for all the jurors involved in this case. They have to cope with their consciences & the consequences of their decision. I certainly wouldn't want to have to walk a mile in their shoes!!!!!!!
My main hope & prayer is for all the family & friends of all the victims. I hope that they can find some semblance of closure & peace despite this horrific tragedy that's been forced upon them!!!!!!!
My criticism is that since Cruz pled guilty, the jurors should not, and by legal definition could not consider Cruz to be insane during this _penalty_ phase. I'll explain. By pleading guilty Cruz's team was able to forego the "guilt" phase, and keep out a lot of what was certain to be gory evidence and prevent the jury from hearing all the gory details necessary to prove Cruz's guilt. But by arguing during the penalty phase that essentially Cruz was insane, they were contradicting their own guilty plea. Since if he's insane, then he's actually 'not guilty' for that reason, and that should have been the plea. Basically the defense was having it both ways. Essentially legally speaking, guilty defendants _can't_ be insane, and, insane defendants _can't_ be guilty. So it's not really fair what happened, and the jurors should have been instructed accordingly.
Yeah that's not how it works. When you plead insanity, you're aren't saying you are innocent of the crime, just that you seek diminished responsibility due to a mental disability. Essentially you're admitting to committing the crime but wouldn't have done it had you not been born with this mental defect, something no one chooses for themselves. The guilty choose to commit a crime while the insane can't help it, is the reasoning.
Sixty five percent of jail inmates and fifty four percent of state prison inmates are considered mentally ill. Mental illness doesn't prevent you from being found guilty or to pleading guilty to a crime. The only time mental illness plays a part in a crime is if it can be proven they didn't understand what they were doing during the criminal act due to mental illness. Cruz knew exactly what he was doing, despite any mental illness he may have.
Great point! It is illogical to vote against death because he was “mentally ill”. The juror that took that position doesn’t know what they are talking about and didn’t understand the expert testimony.
I don’t believe every person on the jury could distinguish between a personality disorder and serious psychiatric pathology which would ameliorate his heinous crimes. Those specific jurors that voted against death were clearly wrong and the families who spoke after the verdict were absolutely right about what they believed happened in the jury room even before it became public. It was so heartbreaking to see the families continued trauma after the reading of this unjust verdict. Terrible that that they were essentially victimized again by one or three members of the jury.
@@MC-vh7go no there is no right or wrong here. If jurors listen to Cruz's sister's testimony, for example, take pity on him, and don't recommend the DP, that's their personal choice. The families may not be getting the revenge they wished for, but they are indeed getting justice.
Which gory details were left out, btw? I'm curious to know how much more detailed testimony could have possibly been.
He seems like a good guy
Thank you for your service! and extremely objective and considerate words 🙏 True American! ❤️
He must be emotionally drained. The laugh is not an issue. It seems like disbelief.
She “couldn’t do it”. She couldn’t sentence a heinous monster to DEATH after he sentenced 17 people to DEATH. She was a liar from the start. If she didn’t believe in the death penalty, she shouldn’t have been on the jury.
Exactly she shouldn't ever have been on that jury ....
Yes, that's what I find the most disappointing. They were asked during voir dire and she obviously LIED, which suggests to me she was on some type of "mission" to save that savage.....shame on her!!! If you don't believe in the death penalty, that is your opinion....but don't tell a shameful lie to push your own agenda.
You are SO right ! I don't know if you can appeal the penalty under this type of agreement. If it could be appealed... then, the fellow jurors should be able to testify as to how the one or two immediately said they couldn't do it !
@@erinm9568 I couldn’t agree more. This nation will suffer because of this verdict. The punishment was issued to the victims families with this verdict. That’s horrific to traumatize these families again and forever. My prayers to those families
Couldn’t do it as to sentencing someone she felt was mentally I’ll to death…not that she could not sentence people to death.
SO, he's ADMITTING it wasn't ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CASE OR EVIDENCE, but 3 jurors - who LIED when selected - radical "hard no" views on the death penalty.
Now the WORKING AMERICAN TAXPAYERS will pay millions to feed ,cloth and house him for life ,while the WORKING AMERICAN TAXPAYERS are already paying because of the Potatohead and high prices.
According to cbs, the foreman said the juror was a hard no because of the mental illness evidence. So she didn't necessarily lie about her view on the death penalty during jury selection. She could have just come to the hard no conclusion after seeing the evidence for mental illness. I don't think we can really say for sure either way.
You are upset that 3 jurors didn’t want to commit murder? We are only industrialize countries that has the death penalty. Even Russia doesn’t have the death penalty. Death Penalty is always a precursor of a tyrannical government.
@@davebrown4841 Potatohead is a racist term. It's offensive to Irish peoples
@@hecivil1 let some punk kid kill your kid and get back to me
Wow. Seems that the one hard no LIED to get on the jury
And I bet that the "NOs" to the death penalty are for abortion.
How did they lie?
They should spend a year in jail with Cruz.
@@barbiekat6352 very simply. The Scott Peterson trial had a juror who lied. Now they might try to retry him. Look it up.
@@rockinreebz actually it’s not simple at all… A juror could have truthfully answered that she could vote for the death penalty WITHOUT it being a lie if she didn’t feel she could in this case! Come on, use some critical thinking 💭 🤔!
Not every case is the same either…In regard to the Peterson trial, there was a juror who admitted after the fact that she did not disclose on the jury questionnaire that she obtained a restraining order in 2001, three years earlier, against her then-boyfriend and a woman he’d been involved with. Regarding the question that asked, “Have you ever been a victim of a crime?” She had responded “No” to that question, testifying that she didn’t consider herself a victim and wasn’t trying to lie when she didn’t include her own domestic-violence incident. “When I filled out that questionnaire, honestly and truly, nothing of this ever crossed my mind…I’ll say it again - I didn’t write it on the questionnaire because it never crossed my mind. I didn’t do it intentionally.”
The woman is sketchy IMO and I am not convinced she didn’t deliberately deceive. But obtaining a restraining order can be done to prevent being a victim, so if she hadn’t thought what occurred prior to the RO was DV then she passes on that 🤷🏻♀️
Bottom line is I’m not into “what abouts” when it comes to the complexities of differences in trials.
Sad af!!!!!!!!! Just pitiful, let's hope the inmates handle it!!!!
He stated he voted for the death penalty and the pain of seeing the families not get the death penalty was hard on his heart. He isn't suppose to vote on emotion because he felt bad for the families.
He admitted he was in "pain" seeing the families when the verdict was life in prison. These jurors were told they can not vote based on personal feelings, anger, pity and sorrow and empathy for the families but he obviously did... Dude, never serve on a jury again. He had no business being there he was too biased. Yea, what Cruz did was horrific but he did what was told not to be done. Compassion and empathy for families is not an aggravating factor.... this was not suppose to interfere with the juror's decision but he was doing just that.
Maybe you should listen when interviewing, but he said one woman was a hard no and then two others changes their minds, so 3 in all say no to the death penalty.
Bless this man 🙏🏾. So sorry it turned out like this 🙏🏾😔. Unfortunately, you have no control over others' inability to show compassion for the victims and their families, friends, and classmates/teachers.
@Meghan God said an eye for eye, didn't he? Let people have an opinion without forcing your fake religious facade down their throat and keep your lectures to yourself. When will you people evet learn that not everyone is a religious zealot ir even religious people believe un death penalty? And if that's how he decides to show compassion so what ? Who are you to question that?
They shoot and kill an alligator for attacking not even killing a guy who comes on its territory, but they let a killer who hunted and killed children and teachers. Just nuts the world we live in. Now these families will have to go through trial after trial after trial every time this guy goes back to court. Ridiculous. These Resources in keeping this guy alive could go to the families or even his sister. We have 8 billion people on this planet and some of them are being tossed in dumpsters. We really take life and our safety for granted here in the USA
The problem is the law. One jurors vote should not take authority over 11 others.
The defense attorneys made the penalty phase of this case a laughing stock. Which in turn made the penalty phase drag out for much longer than needed. He pled guilty, the sentence should be death, period.
Interesting. So the vote was *NOT* 11-1 with some lone wacky juror holding out. It was 9-3.
*THREE* jurors dissented. In that case, this verdict must be respected.
The prosecution simply did not prove its case for imposing the death penalty.
"In that case"? so if it was 11-1 you wouldn't respect it? glad you're not a judge
@@twildabuckingham Screw your head on and try to think clearly. Until very recently, Florida law required just a 10--2 jury vote. The entire basis of that law was that there may be one flaky juror hanging the jury. In this case, there were allegations that a woman lied about her personal opposition to the death penalty.
The fact that *THREE* jurors concurred with the minority should give you much more confidence in the verdict than a 11-1 verdict.
And indeed a 10-2 vote would have been sufficient in 2016 until the Florida law was changed.
Before 2016, even a 7-5 vote would have been sufficient in Florida.
"
Before 2016, jurors in Florida cases could recommend a death sentence by a simple 7-to-5 majority. And judges could override juries’ sentencing decisions to impose capital punishment even when jurors thought it was not warranted. At that time, Florida was one of only three states that allowed a simple majority of jurors to recommend execution.
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of Florida’s law in early 2016, ruling in Hurst v. Florida that the law gave too much power to judges and not enough to jurors in deciding whether defendants should be put to death. The Sixth Amendment requires “a jury, not a judge, to find each fact necessary to impose a sentence of death,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for the majority.
"
I feel for this guy🥺
Why? Did he get his child violently murdered by a racist pedophile sociopath? Yes it was probably draining emotionally but c'mon now, he'll be OK, you people SMH...I bet you don't show compassion for people who really need it.
I feel for him too, the stress of being a juror and foreperson in this trial especially, was overwhelming, I’m certain. All the testimony and evidence presented to the jurors, will haunt them for a long, long time.
I’m not bashing the jury… I’m not from Florida. If there ever was a case for the death penalty, this was it. This set a precedent for the nation that no matter what horrific crime, you will get pampered with 3 meals, healthcare, and housing the rest of your life at taxpayers expense. This verdict sent a message to the victims families and punished them. The verdict was horrific. Horrific to the families, to Broward County, to the state of Florida and to this nation. It is my prayer that this monster gets in prison the punishment that a few jurors could not deliver. I’ll call them hero’s and God bless them that take this monster from the face of this earth. Shame on the few jurors that said they could, but did not.
Nope.... until you are faced with making the decision you'll never know. Think about how many times you've said Yes to something and changed your mind. As humans there are visceral responses. It saddens me for these jurors. The amount of hatred being spewd their way. Nothing is guaranteed in jury trials. It's not guaranteed the the party would get the death penalty. Folks just assumed he would. He's not the first mass killer to not get the death penalty.
To be clear... I'm defending our process and the jurors right to vote as they see fit at the time amd to be protected in their vote whether we like it or not.
Why would anyone ever want to sit on a juror and face this kind of rath from the public. I wouldn't.
I have a relative who is in prison for the murder of her 6 1/2 month old daughter. She was originally charged with first degree and a slew of other charges but thanks to police and DA corruption in our town which I won't get into, a deal was reached for her to plead 'no contest' to 3rd degree murder w/all other charges dropped. She rec'd 17 1/2-40 years. She has no prior history of illegal issues/violence, however she was the victim of domestic violence. (I am NOT defending her in any way, just want to give all of the facts) She is in a minimum security prison. She lives in a 'dorm' with a few other girls. She has a personal TV. She has a tablet. She orders designer shampoo and name brand sneakers from the commissary. She and the others on her floor are allowed to roam freely (on their floor only). They're allowed to use the kitchen. A few weeks ago, they were treated to Chick-Fil-A. This is the perfect example of the precedent you're referring to. Kill a baby and live in a prison that is basically summer camp and do so on taxpayer's dime. What a crock of B.S. Prison is supposed to be punishment yet these prisoners have it made behind bars. Disgusting.
It is not over. The other prisoners might take care of him and he might get the punishment he truly deserves.
More drama queen BS . This doesn't send any type of message. This was one case and those who didn't vote for death were entitled to do so based on evidence they heard in court. And the death penalty has proven to not be a crime deterrent. Even if he was given death , that will not prevent another lunatic from doing this type of shooting again. The DC sniper John Mohammed was executed , Ted Bundy- executed , John Wayne Gacy -executed. etc. Then why are there still serial killers ?
@@simster1001 unlikely....its not 1990 anymore and he will be guarded even taking a shower. Any guard that looks the other way will expect a lawsuit, and loss of job. Nah he will be cushy with some of that big inheritance money and with his personality he will do ok he hates ppl anyway.
I understand why they went for life instead of death. The foreman clearly said that there was a lady who did not want the death penalty no matter what. It sounds like she made that decision before the trail could even begin. So, they had to settle for the life sentence. If any can remember, jury selection was a mess just to prevent this from happening. But one got in anyway and screwed it up for everyone. I've been served in a criminal case before and it was not fan. IF this case is not a death penalty, I don't know what will. I don't think death penalty should be agreed upon by everyone. Majority!! It only takes one folks.
Sounds like after hearing Cruz's mental state she changed her mind which she's allowed to do and couldn't in her heart give him death! Her and two others did the same.
No, what he actually said was that a few weren't going to change their mind on what they'd decided
That is NOT what he said . You have absolutely no proof that the juror decided before hearing evidence. He said the lady believed him to be mentally ill and was not comfortable giving the death penalty. Two other jurors changed their vote after initially voting for death. And unfortunately for you , our system requires that jury findings are unanimous and frankly when it's the death penalty at stake , it should be unanimous.
Thank you for your service on the jury panel. We hoped for the victims to get justice. However, they did not. You made the right decision, you spoke from your heart, you voted for the death penalty and many others except 3 !! Thank you Mr. Foreman.
Those few jurors are despicable! Shame on them.
they were paid
God forbid that someone has human compassion
Lol The jurors did their job. Enough with your nonsense. If you killed someone by sending them to die, you'll be shi tting yourself with regret when you're about to die. You'll regret killing someone with the death penalty at that time I bet.
@@Cgalloway2000 Human compassion, so make the guy suffer in his cell the rest of his life. They're cowards that couldn't put themselves to the side for a brief moment in their life. It's all about how they view themselves, not the families.
No, they aren't. The world is moving away from this.
you should NEVER be on a jury if you feel bad for the defendant because he/she is obviously disturbed, you've already made up your mind before the trial even begins - get out of duty and let someone with some balls take your spot
take over
I do not think that jurors should be in charge of deciding between life and DP. I never had an issue with it until the Jodi Arias trial. 11 voted for the DP, 1 refused to do so. According to some of the 11 that spoke out after the trial, they believe the holdout juror never ever had any intention of even considering the DP. She (allegedly) told the jurors she could never vote for the DP despite testifying under oath during jury selection she could. If true, she lied her way onto the jury to make sure JA didn't get death. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Let the judge decide between life and DP.
no it was 9-3....did you even watch the video?
Do people even watch videos anymore, or do they go straight to comments now without watching the video?
Judge should decide
@@twildabuckingham did you even read his comment? He's talking about the JA trial not this
Agree
And how are the families supposed to feel of other people that are on death row right know but having committed far, far less crimes?!
Talk to their lawyers use this case as precedent. The death penalty has been rendered ineffective in Broward County. If one can murder 17 innocent people in a planned concise manner and get life while not declaring insanity then that shows it is the jury at fault.
This isn’t the first case and it won’t be the last. Cases all over the United States that are all over the place with convictions and sentencing. It’s always bewildered me because it doesn’t make sense. But it’s our justice system. We need A LOT of changes to be made!
The families will feel horrible regardless. Nothing can bring their loved ones back, not even a cruel punishment for the perpetrator.
The laugh is a defense mechanism... everyone does it!
I understand mental health being a problem, the killer had a crap mother who exposed him to drugs in utero etc, etc. What I don't understand is how the fact that it was absolutely cruel treatment of the victims, the fact it was VERY premeditated, the fact he had all the opportunity in the world to seek help for his issues, how disrespectful him and his defense team were in court, and more, was completely disregarded. People have been sentenced to death for much less and its common for people committing this level of crime to have had horrible upbringings, the difference is this guy is completely sane and was more than aware of what he was doing. It's a disgrace and I still can't believe this is the outcome. Extremely disappointing.
So it was 3 people who voted life.
it was 3?
@@susandickerman4939 no, it was only 1 who voted no.
@@cristianflores1588 huh...he said there was a hard no and 2 more voted that way..so do you mean all voted life but 1?
@@cristianflores1588 he specifically said two others aside from the one woman who was a “hard no” voted the same way.
@@cristianflores1588 he said that a specific juror said she was a hard no for the death penalty and another two ended up voting the same way. So how can you say it was only 1?
Are the jurors name publicized? I would never agree to show my face or put my name publicly as a juror to this high profile of a cases
Yes. Their names were called in court. The jury was polled.
The jurors who voted for LWOP will go through hell. They’ll be doxxed; they’ll receive creepy, maybe threatening, phone calls, letters and visits.
I moved and changed my name, under seal, after testifying for the prosecution in a capital case.
I remember there was a letter about a female jury member, and it was sent in by somebody at her doctor's office. The letter stated that she had discussed or divulged some information with somebody at the office.
The judge only asked her verbally and she said the letter was a lie.
Does anybody else remember this?
Let him go free and let the parents serve justice.
pppffff she had a Heart for him ... where was her Heart for the 17 dead souls in the dark Graves? For their Family and Friends?!?? ..... she can take her Heart and put it deep somewhere where the Sun never shines .... !!!
I'm mentally ill, I'm also a mother to a teenager and this is disgusting. Mental illness doesn't mean you can get a pass for murdering 17 human beings! I didn't believe in the death penalty until this case. Thank goodness Im not from the US, I'm sorry to everyone who this has affected.
JCS: "What pretending to be crazy looks like"
Jury: Still crazy.
This poor jury, the things they've seen, they need counseling, god all the autopsy photos, the video of the murders occurring...I feel for them.
You serious?? You feel for them?? What about the children who were murdered, who were left to die while soaking in their own blood, the parents who had to suffer daily and now, see the response of jurors who think this is funny. These people made a choice, they will get to go home to their children, their families, and this will be a distant memory. It makes me sick and absolutely breaks my heart. I feel so much for these families. Watching these people, these parents, the siblings, the friends, I feel a closeness to them. They are no longer a name but a face. This is a horrible day for them (families not the useless jurors).
The jury obviously wasn't that effected by it if they still gave him life.
9 of them voted for the death penalty; they sat through that and watched 3 people be manipulated by a murderous narcissist who's looking forward to life ... [in a special mental ward? or the general population?]
The jury did that for the victims, the families, society and are as devastated as the families themselves to see the murderer victorious after all of that. 1 is feeling pretty chuffed, 2 are now doubting and will forever doubt the decision they made in a moment of emotional weakness. Nonetheless, 1-11 the 1 lone vote would be the decider for life. That's all it takes. Just another example of the system of American fairness and justice being exploited. We allow it in order to keep the system there for those who truly need the help.
Poor jury poor families more like I have no love for them they failed them
@@jkm1611 a mature adult can have empathy for multiple people.
That 1 women should not have been on that jury. They ask you questions before you get on a death penalty and she lied when the judge asked her if she was okay with voting for the death penalty.
The surprising thing about his laugh is not the inappropriate timing of it but how remarkably different it sounds from his normal speaking voice.
Jurors should be protected. It's OUR system, the jury didn't invent it or ask for it.
5 hours. 5 hours was all the time they took trying to decide such a monumental case. And I don't want to hear his crap about we looked through all the evidence. How could you possibly look through all of the evidence of a trial that lasted for months in just five hours? It's not even a full work day. They didn't even try. After they have hit the first road block they just threw up their hands and decided there was nothing they could do. Absolutely disgusting.
Like the guy said everyone has a right to their opinion. Cruz never denied it, and the fact that it took 4 years to even go to trail is a violation of the constitution anyways. You can not blame or not allow a Juror to serve a civil duty because of their religious beliefs. This was a vary difficult case for even the public to hear and they redacted a lot of details. The people that are saying justice was not served were the ones voting for the death penalty since day one before hearing all the evidence. It’s a two way road you can’t have it one way. May God Bless America 🇺🇸
So true
Here in the UK we don't have the death penalty but we do have a moral code between prisoners that anyone who harms women or children gets their dues in prison ☠
same
Even the prisoners know justice well.
Except that’s not true, and not how prison actually works lol. That’s some fairytale bs
@@icespeaker81 either you have never been in prison ?, or, you just weren't in a prison that goes by these prisoner rules ?. they do, they will..and they can take Justice into action !.
@@alanshaw4655 You're kidding yourself. Nikolas Cruz is a high profile inmate. He will be protected by staff at all cost.
The way I see it is if this guy doesn't deserve the death penalty, Nobody does. All inmates currently on death row in florida should be asking for an appeal based on this case.
So Cruz gets off the hook but Alex jones gets the book thrown at him
OMG that’s a hideous statement! 🧌
I give this man credit were credit is due, it's not always Easy when you have other opinions you have to consider speaking of Jurors.. Thank you for your Service 👍
Bring a jury foreperson is not easy! Cut the guy some slack!
How did they find this dude, the one juror better be taking a sabbatical
There were three in all if you listen to the juror foreman. Listen in at .23 to hear him say this.
you mean those three jurors? did you even watch the video?
Life without is a death sentence in its own way. A death sentence is an escape. Especially when the defendant WANTS death. Why should anyone who does what these ppl do be able to get what they want?!
At least "hard labor" should be added back into the mix. Sitting around watching cartoons or getting buff in the weight room doesn't cut it.
I agree that Death is the easy way out BUT those Jurors made a Statement about what crimes you can commit in America and get away with..... Now, mass murderers just need to pull out the DSM 5 and start looking for a diagnosis to pursue before they commit their crime!
Because it’s what the families wanted. It has nothing to do with what the killer wants.
He didn't want to die. If he did, there wouldn't of been a trial. He said all that to make people feel bad for him like he has done his entire life to get what he wants.
@nigel thornberry he literally said it himself, you troll. Doesn't affect you anyways, so why do you care lol
The three who voted no 2 the death penalty, for the man that took those kids & school staff lives... their lives are gonna change.
All the jurors lives will be changed. After hearing and seeing all the evidence. You'd be changed to.
Are you making a threat?
@@redoksunflower Oh please!
@@gonnadanceagain sounded like a threat to me so figured I’d ask..
He is a classy man. 👏 He is right, he voted his conscience. What else can he do?
why are the parents saying 11-1? it was clearly 9-3....25% of them voted for life imprisonment...
That’s what media reported.
@@jb8560 yeah the media is 100% true
This guy is great! Great job explaining!
Why did the jurors that wanted the death penalty give into those that didn’t?
I honestly don’t understand. Why couldn’t they just agree to disagree, and declare a mistrial?
I’m just trying to understand
No mistrials in the sentencing phase. Either they all agree or it's no DP
I feel like they could have argued a bit more. It feels like they didn’t really try much to change people’s minds, or even debate the issue much. Just took a vote, slept on it, and took another vote. The families deserved more and the victims deserved at least SOME debate. They capitulated way too easily.
I never would have given in I would have stood firm come what may
Ever see 12 angry men?
they didn't give in. the vote was 9-3....so nine voted death, three voted life....? I don't understand what you are not understanding
Hats off to a juror who understands mental health issues.
I’m from the UK, so I fully appreciate laws are different.. but please could someone tell me if, what I’ve been led to believe is true…… on another video showing the trial (can’t recall which one, as I’ve followed this case from the onset, when he 1st did it)
A few comments said “Before you are elected to be a jury member, you are asked various questions, for example, your thoughts on the death penalty, religion, & thought process of life, death, prison, questions along those lines. So, with all that being said, IF the lady answered she didn’t agree with the death penalty & would never ever choose that way of punishment, would she still be chosen to oversee the case & make a decision with other jurors???
In sounds like she was a NO from the onset, maybe she never had any intention to vote for death sentence. I personally think it’s wrong to choose a juror who doesn’t agree with Death sentence, how on earth could she serve on a jury if she disagrees with D.S????
Sorry for long question, hope you know what I mean & I’ve explained myself properly.
The jury system is wrong it should be majority rule or hung jury. Instead 1 hold out can flip a decision. Not legal or moral by any sense of the word. Our world is full of people with vastly different moral compasses and are willing to lie to exercise their morality in a death sentence case. This was not an insanity case. I wonder why hmm
Exactly
This is what many are arguing. Saying that one juror it sounds like was always opposed to the DP which means if she had been truthful about that, then the prosecution would have cut her from the jury and she wouldn't have made it on. Others are saying maybe she thought she could impose the DP (hence she didn't lie), but when it came down to it, she couldn't. I don't know which way is correct. However, based simply on the evidence of the mitigating and aggravating factors, the mitigating factors did NOT outweigh the aggravating ones and therefore he should have received the DP. So in my opinion, I feel the juror had to have lied in the beginning knowing she would never have voted for death. But that's just my opinion.
@@ashleydaniell1553 thank you so much for your reply. I agree with you 100%. Some people are saying “yes but he’s mentally ill, he has some form of brain damage etc”
UM NOPE, he’s actually quite articulate, sly, conniving, manipulative and just damn right evil. Isn’t everyone who commits a heinous crime “gone in the head” yes they are, BUT, To show sympathy to him is actually a kick in teeth. He had enough “Brain Function” to premeditate, organise, plan, arrange, carry out & see through his acts that day. There was proof galore he planned it all. I know numerous people with brain damage, majority of them couldn’t hurt a fly, couldn’t buy a pint of milk, couldn’t use a cashpoint, or even comprehend a diary, clock times, and order a taxi, let alone use a gun. There are some who hurt themselves, not others. No way in hell, did that animal deserve life sentence. He should of been disposed of. He’s getting EXACTLY what he wanted, videos, articles, news reports, fans, his face planted everywhere on social media. He’s got his “notoriety” what he always wanted it, attention. He will also get 3 meals a day, a bed, TV, a cushy little job on the wing, pocket money, visitors, phonecalls, PlayStation, snacks, clean clothes, exercise and more. The victims had the death penalty, & their families had the life sentence. This piece of crap still has a chance of an education in jail. BS the lot of it. No justice whatsoever. Sorry for rant & essay, but it makes my blood boil
So wasn't 11-1... maybe 11-3.
Death penalty will never stop massive shooters.
Self defense DOES.
I think you need some math help. 11-1=12. so if 3 ended up voting life, 9 voted death. 25:75 ratio
This guys been through a lot. Give him a break. He’s probably incredulous to the outcome. Thanks for your service to all 12 jurors. It’s democracy. I think capital punishment should be given way more than it is. And stop these 30 year tenures on death row. No more than 10 years, obviously with a few exceptions. This was a capital punishment cases for sure.
This was a very trying and emotionally draining case to deal with from the beginning!! First off, prayers and condolences to the families of the victims and all those that were affected by this tragedy. Secondly thank you to the jury for having the bravery and doing your civic duty. Thirdly the only of other explanation that I can come up with as to why the 1 juror voted against the death penalty is the fact that he/she is a Christian. It seems as though she was having compassion for him, and wanted to spare his life, despite the horrible act that he did. As a Christian myself, I'm not a fan of the death penalty and it would be hard for me to vote for it. As Christians, we are taught to forgive our fellow man as we look forward to the day of seeing GOD'S face in peace!! Just my thoughts though!!
Good Dude terrible situation to be in
"We voted and we moved on". REALLY??
This comment makes me sick.
Bless the lost children, the injured and the families. I am so sorry.
This pathetic monster 👹 cruz will have a hard struggle in prison,that’s what matters the most.
I really like this guy. He’s been through a lot. He’s seen things most of us will never see.
BS
@@azcatlover You seem to think that I care what you think.
Most of the civilized world abolished the death penalty long ago except brutal regimes like China Saudi Arabia Iran etc
Even Cuba hasn’t executed anyone since 2003.
The death penalty is too often applied to the poor, mentally ill or minorities.
Also it is estimated about 4% of those executed never murdered anyone.
The person pled guilty, witnesses testified and was on camera. There is no question of guilt.
I would NEVER speak out if I was on such a high profile case like this one. No way...
Well said! We have a jury for a reason and we all come in with what we know.❤
Many thanks to this man/jury foreman to share the facts with all of us
Ole Benjamin is scarred for life.. seriously... but of course all the keyboard cowboys here will judge...
Lady... seriously... Should have given what every family member wanted. A slap in the face.
I heard the foreman and several others bullied the juror with the hard no. She came out later to say they threatened her into trying to change her mind.
1:00 tells you everything you need to know
Nervous laugh that’s not fair to this poor guy !
It hurts me to see him hurt like this.
My heart goes out to the families. How can the world expect that one juror wouldn't agree with the death penalty? These are random working people that have morals, values, religious views. This definitely was expected life in prison. It was like playing the lottery on winning. The one juror didn't fail, she went in and did her job and was allowed to make her finally decision. The Governments are the ones who failed, they allow guns, fix the problem with gun control. Cruz needed mental help since he was a child, never received. Make mental awareness more aware and more help. Take your anger now and fight for rights of gun control.
He got plenty of mental help and educational help. And could we please stop excusing this criminal by saying who failed? Nothing excuses what he did and the fact that he enjoyed it should send chills up your spine.
Yeah but they are not supposed to be serving on the jury in the first place if they are morally against the death penalty! FFS ANYONE who commits a mass shooting HAS to be mentally ill.
The ENTIRE Justice system needs a complete over haul, ASAP
I was shocked when the judge named this jurors full name while reading the verdicts what if this man wanted to stay anonymous wtf?
she probably said their names because she was pissed with the verdict
@@Dreamofdisney35 she could be sacked for that tho
no the trial was over. it's all released now
Actually, names are public record. They are not guaranteed anonymity, just the liberty to decline to comment.
@@Jessi4JC really i thought all jurors were to stay anonymous thats why they dont show or usually name them in trials and once the trials are done the judge givee them the option to stay anonymous or speak to media etc if they want to
I’m sure if the jurors that voted against the death penalty switched positions with the families that lost their children they would of voted differently
Empathy fucked it all up😡💯
Everybody will have an opinion. I wasn't on that Jury. I wouldn't have looked forward to serving on that jury.
Ms. "Hard No" will have to bear the guilt, should the mass murderer kill a guard while serving his life sentence. He has already tried to taser a guard after assaulting him. MHO
Yep. I don’t think his killing days are over.
That alone should have showed the jury that he is capable of killing again.
This is a nervous laugh. A fake laugh is when Amber Heard makes fun of Johnny Depp being on 21 Jump Street and he said stop with that fake laugh…AQUA MAN 😂😂😂
JURY Foreman and jury should not come out publicly this early. Too many people hurt, too many emotions, nobody should know what went on in confidentiality.
The law says that once they are dismissed as jurors they can talk about their deliberations. The foreman did nothing wrong but the 3 jurors who voted against the death penalty sure did.
The judge read his full name out loud in court…he could not really stay anonymous.
Must have been incredibly difficult, such a long emotional trial.
That jurior should be investigated for tampering and false statement during jury selection. She knew all along what her vote was going to be.
Nope! She went in knowing if she had to she could. However after hearing he had mental illness changed her mind and couldn't do it. 1. She's allowed to change her mind 2. There were 3 total that voted life, it was clearly stated in this video
they voted unanimously on all 17 charges that they agreed the acts deserved the possibility of death....go home, you're drunk
@@twildabuckingham um no they didn’t vote unanimously. Three voted against the death penalty which was their plan all along. The judge cannot overturn that.
Benjamin Thomas. , you are in my prayers for the stress of the task
Just imagine what those jury members saw, when they walked through the crime scene, I think it will haunt them forever. And yes, the person who voted NO, I really truly hope something this horrible doesn't happen to one of your loved ones. NC planned every step of the way, no brain damage there. They shifted blame to his mother for drinking while pregnant, believe me there are thousands of people walking this earth, who's mother's also drank while being pregnant, how many of them turned into mass murders? THAT WAS HIS CHOICE, INSTEAD OF BLAMING EVEYONE FOR HIS SITUATION, HE COULD HAVE CHOSEN TO BE A BETTER PERSON, AND TO RISE ABOVE HIS CERCUMSTANSES, HE CHOSE HIS DESTINY!!!
Exactly!!
If you watch the video when the Judge excuses the alternates, you can see Melissa McNeill smile and look to Tamara Curtis and they both smile. THEY KNEW they were going to win at that moment. They knew Denise Cunha would hold out on the DP and vote Life.
Wow
Scheming
why only 7.5 why didn't you try to change her mind
I thought about that too but the foreman said 1 hard No plus another 2. It's hard to change their mindset. I'm so disappointed
I would have stayed until I did change their minds .
I only wish the Death sentence was quicker. If he got Death ,he would have appealed it for years .
Let's hope he gets released in General population
And the inmates serve justice!
the 3 should have tried harder to change the 9
I feel like that one jury who voted no lied to get on the jury
You are aware that 3 voted no, right?
9 to 3 not 1
@@2651paiger multiple sources have stated only one juror voted no on death penalty.
@@Hbush1987
Well, those sources are wrong. Three women voted no.
@@lumpstersmouse5471 oh so somehow you know better than the juror himself that did the interview after the trial? And the family members that said the same after the trial?
I am so sorry this case turned out with this verdict. N.c is an absolute monster.. he must be punished to the absolute maximum our law allowed. Florida has death as this punishment.. he made the choice of commiting mass murder in a death penalty state. I'm outraged that there is no justice for these families.
They got some justice. Life with no parole is not " no justice ".
@@mizzury54 he deserves the absolute maximum sentence allowed by the state of Florida. That is death
Why only 1 trial? He murdered 17 persons and wounded 17 more. Why weren’t there 34 trials? Seems like a big prosecution error.
Apparently the judge refused it
Pretty sure the judge said they are not allowed to decide off feelings and morals. They have to decide off facts and evidence. Sounds like that one juror lied on their jury form if they were not going to change their mind at all.