(FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl.) — A Florida jury has returned with a verdict in the case of Nikolas Cruz, who killed 17 at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in 2018. The jury could not agree unanimously on a death sentence, so Cruz is to be given a sentence of life in prison without parole.

Cruz pleaded guilty last year to 17 counts each of murder and attempted murder.

Prosecutors presented evidence showing the gunman spent a number of months researching online for information before making the decision to commit a mass shooting. He fired 140 shots during his seven-minute attack.

Public defenders asked the jury to spare his life, based on troubled history, a dysfunctional family, and developmental challenges. Cruz’s birth mother drank heavily during pregnancy, leaving Cruz with neural damage and little to no impulse control.

Jurors said that 9-3 decision to suspend the death sentence for life in prison was motivated by a belief that Cruz is mentally ill, and should be spared. Families of the killed and injured people spoke about the verdict:

“You stole him from us, and you did not receive the justice that you deserved,” said Debra Hixon, whose husband, athletic director Chris Hixon, was killed charging Cruz to stop him. “You’ll be sent to jail, you’ll begin your punishment, you’ll be a number, and for me you will cease to exist.”

“Because of you, I check for all exits wherever I am,” said teacher Stacey Lippel, who was wounded. “Because of you, I think of the worst-case scenario for myself and my family. Because of you, I will never feel safe again. I have no forgiveness in my heart for you.”

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