Parkland shooter must attendance pretrials, judge rules

The accused Parkland shooter will have to attend pretrial hearings, a judge ruled Friday.

Cruz's attorneys argue that his presence draws television coverage that emotionally damages survivors of the Feb. 14, 2018, attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead. They say prosecutors should accept their proposed deal that would see Cruz plead guilty for a life sentence without parole so the case can be concluded.

Prosecutors have declined the deal and are seeking a death sentence.

Trial for the 20-year-old Cruz is scheduled for early next year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
 

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