“Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing 17 people — 14 students and three staff members — at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., avoiding a trial but setting up a fight over his punishment for the 2018 attack.

“Cruz’s defense team is hoping to avoid the death sentence that prosecutors are seeking.

“Cruz, 23, faced 17 charges of first-degree murder and an additional 17 charges of attempted murder.

“He had initially pleaded not guilty to all of the crimes, but his attorneys recently said they would not contest his guilt. Instead, the group of public defenders who represent Cruz have asked the court to sentence him to 17 life sentences.”

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