Scot Peterson Found Not Guilty of Negligence in Parkland School Shooting
A jury on Thursday acquitted former Broward County sheriff’s deputy Scot Peterson of seven counts of child abuse and three counts of child neglect in connection with the 2018 Parkland school massacre.
Peterson was accused of failing to act to stop the shooter, Nikolas Cruz, who killed 17 people and injured 17 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Prosecutors argued during the trial that Peterson had a “clear and present duty” to protect the school’s students and staff, but he “disappeared” in the stairwell and did nothing.
The defense argued that Peterson was a “good man” who made an error in judgment but had no legal duty to stop the gunman.
The jury deliberated for 19 hours over four days before returning its verdict.
Peterson was charged with seven counts of child neglect and three counts of culpable neglect.
He was charged with stopping gunman Nikolas Cruz.
Prosecutors argued that Peterson had a “clear and present duty” to protect the school’s students and staff.
The defense argued that Peterson was a “good man” who made an error in judgment.
The jury deliberated for 19 hours over four days before reaching its verdict.
The judgment caused mixed reactions:
Some people expressed relief that Peterson was found innocent, while others were disappointed.
The victims’ families said they were “deeply saddened” by the verdict.
Cruz, who is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, said he was “satisfied” with the sentence.
The ruling is a reminder of the complex legal issues that can arise in mass shootings:
It’s not always clear what law enforcement officers have a legal duty to stop shooters.
The ruling could have implications for other law enforcement agencies involved in mass shootings.
The verdict also serves as a reminder of the pain and suffering that victims of mass shootings and their families continue to experience.
