Nikolas Cruz, the infamous Parkland shooter, met a number of family members and survivors of his shooting spree in a US court today before his final sentencing. Earlier this month, Cruz managed to avoid the death sentence when the jury proposed a life sentence without a possibility of parole.

On February 14, 2018, Cruz, who was then 19, had shot and killed 17 people at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 17 more people were injured in the incident.

Also Read| Jury recommends life in prison for Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz

In court today, Stacey Lippel, said to Cruz, “You don’t know me, but you tried to kill me”. She further added,  “The person I was at 2:20 (p.m.) on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, is not the same one who stands here today. I am broken and altered, and I will never look at the world the same way again”, as the 22-year-old convicted mass murdered looked on wearing an orange prison jumpsuit.

“You were given a gift – a gift of grace and mercy… something you did not show to any of your victims”, said Debra Hixon, the wife of Christopher Hixon, another victim of Cruz. 

Also Read| Nikolas Cruz victims list: All Parkland school shooting casualties

The defense attorney for Cruz had argued during the month-long trial that he was a mentally ill and disturbed individual. 

When the jury recommendation was first announced on October 13, survivors and families of Cruz’s victims had expressed their disappointment at them not suggesting the death penalty.

Alyssa Alhadeff was 14 when she fell prey to Cruz. Her grandfather, David Robinovitz, was present in court today. He refused to refer to Cruz by his name and instead chose to call him the “Parkland murderer”.

Also Read| Parkland school shootings: Four minutes and a lifetime of trauma

He said in court that Cruz getting a life sentence was a win for the latter, but he will die one day. “At that time, Parkland murderer, it is my hope that you go somewhere to meet your maker,” he said, further adding, “And, Parkland murderer, I hope your maker sends you directly to hell to burn for the rest of your eternity.”