Florida Shooter Nikolas Cruz Would Plead Guilty to Avoid the Death Penalty

Nikolas Cruz (C) appears via video monitor with Melisa McNeill (R), his public defender, at a bond court hearing after being charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S., Feb. 15, 2018. Reuters/Susan Stocker/Pool

Florida high school shooter Nikolas Cruz would be willing to plead guilty in the massacre which left 17 people dead if the death penalty is not considered as an option, his lawyer said on Friday, Feb. 16.

Cruz, 19, was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder over the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Wednesday, Feb. 14.