Prosecutors want Parkland massacre suspect’s medical records

The Associated Press

6 years ago

School shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz appears for a hearing at the Broward Courthouse in Fort La ... — School shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz appears for a hearing at the Broward Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Cruz, who faces the death penalty if convicted, is accused of killing 17 and wounding 17 in the February 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. (Susan Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Prosecutors told a judge they should have access to mental health and medical records of the former student charged with last year’s Florida school massacre.

Prosecutors asked Judge Elizabeth Scherer on Tuesday to order a psychologist and an orthopedic clinic to turn over Nikolas Cruz’s records. Cruz’s attorneys said privacy laws bar their release.

Prosecutors said Cruz carried a psychologist’s business card when arrested shortly after the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead. Prosecutors said they should have access to any records because Cruz told deputies that voices told him to kill people.

The orthopedic clinic treated Cruz for a broken arm shortly before the shooting. Prosecutors say Cruz’s possible removal of his cast could help show premeditation.

The 20-year-old Cruz has pleaded not guilty.