Attorneys were concerned about potential timing conflicts during the trials of the Parkland school shooter and the former Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy who was accused of inaction during the massacre.
Attorney Marc Eiglarsh, who is representing Scot Peterson, was in Broward County court on Thursday asking Broward Circuit Judge Martin Fein to reschedule the start of the former deputy’s trial.
“Our hearts go out to the victims’ families. We know that this being continued adversely affects them. We understand that, but what is fundamental in every criminal case is that a defendant has the right to due process and we need more time to prepare,” Eiglarsh said in court.
Peterson, 58, a former school resource officer, is accused of child neglect, culpable negligence, and perjury after investigators accused him of hiding while Nikolas Cruz fired his AR-15 rifle on Feb. 14, 2018, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Fein rescheduled Peterson’s trial to Feb. 27, 2023. Nikolas Cruz’s death penalty trial is scheduled to begin on July 18. Fein also ordered Peterson’s defense not to release any of the school’s surveillance video.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators found surveillance video showing Peterson standing with his gun drawn outside of the building during the shooting, according to prosecutors. Peterson decided to retire.
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Attorney Marc Eiglarsh, who is representing Scot Peterson, was in Broward County court on Thursday asking Broward Circuit Judge Martin Fein to reschedule the start of the former deputy’s trial.
“Our hearts go out to the victims’ families. We know that this being continued adversely affects them. We understand that, but what is fundamental in every criminal case is that a defendant has the right to due process and we need more time to prepare,” Eiglarsh said in court.
Peterson, 58, a former school resource officer, is accused of child neglect, culpable negligence, and perjury after investigators accused him of hiding while Nikolas Cruz fired his AR-15 rifle on Feb. 14, 2018, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Fein rescheduled Peterson’s trial to Feb. 27, 2023. Nikolas Cruz’s death penalty trial is scheduled to begin on July 18. Fein also ordered Peterson’s defense not to release any of the school’s surveillance video.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators found surveillance video showing Peterson standing with his gun drawn outside of the building during the shooting, according to prosecutors. Peterson decided to retire.
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