The 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, remains one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. The gunman, Nikolas Cruz, killed 17 people and injured 17 others, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Since the tragedy, the survivors, victims’ families, and legal authorities have been navigating complex court cases, activism, and personal recovery. While Cruz was sentenced to life in prison without parole, the legal battles and emotional toll continue.
Recent developments include a significant legal decision regarding Cruz’s name and likeness, judicial scrutiny of the trial’s proceedings, and powerful survivor-led advocacy efforts. This article explores the ongoing consequences of the Parkland shooting and how those affected are shaping its legacy.
A major legal dispute has emerged regarding the control of Nikolas Cruz’s name, image, and any potential profits from his notoriety. Survivors and victims’ families have fought to ensure that he cannot gain financially from interviews, books, movies, or any form of media that could exploit his crimes.
Recently, survivor Anthony Borges—who was critically injured after being shot five times—along with the families of three students who were killed, reached a settlement over Cruz’s publicity rights. This agreement ensures that no media organization or individual can use his name or image for financial gain without the victims’ approval.
Additionally, the settlement includes control over a $400,000 annuity that Cruz inherited from his late mother. The families involved will share equal portions of this money, with some choosing to donate their shares to charities supporting victims of gun violence.
This legal victory sets an important precedent. It highlights the growing movement to prevent mass shooters from achieving fame or financial gain from their crimes. Many advocates argue that media attention fuels future violence by glorifying perpetrators, and this case may serve as a model for future legal action.
The Parkland shooter’s trial lasted months, with emotional testimonies from survivors, victims’ families, and law enforcement officials. The proceedings were marked by intense legal battles, and even after the trial ended, controversy followed.
Former Judge Elizabeth Scherer, who presided over the case, recently spoke out about what she called the unprofessional behavior of Cruz’s public defenders. Addressing law students in Miami, Scherer described instances where the defense attorneys whispered, passed notes, and typed on their computers while grieving families shared their pain.
Scherer’s handling of the case was already under scrutiny. She resigned from her judicial position in 2023 after receiving a reprimand from the Florida Supreme Court for displaying strong emotions in court. Critics argued that she was too harsh toward Cruz’s defense team, while supporters said she simply showed compassion for the victims.
Despite stepping down from the bench, Scherer remains active in the legal community and has expressed interest in media and advocacy roles. Her recent remarks have reignited discussions about the role of judges in high-profile criminal cases and the ethics of legal defense strategies.
While the legal battles continue, many survivors have dedicated their lives to activism, pushing for stricter gun laws, school safety measures, and mental health support. Among them is Sam Fuentes, a Parkland shooting survivor who has found healing through poetry, activism, and film.
Fuentes is featured in a new documentary short titled Death by Numbers, which follows her journey of preparing to face Cruz in court. The film combines courtroom footage with her poetry, offering a raw and emotional perspective on the impact of mass shootings.
The documentary aims to shed light on the long-term trauma survivors experience and the challenges of seeking justice. Fuentes has used her platform to advocate for gun reform and mental health resources, emphasizing that survivors’ voices must be heard.
Her story represents the resilience of the Parkland community. Many survivors have taken active roles in politics, education, and activism, ensuring that the tragedy is not forgotten and that meaningful change follows.
While the sentencing of Nikolas Cruz closed one chapter of the legal proceedings, several lawsuits remain open.
One high-profile case involves former Broward County deputy Scot Peterson, the school resource officer assigned to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the attack. Peterson was accused of failing to enter the building and confront the shooter. He was charged with multiple counts of child neglect, negligence, and perjury but was ultimately acquitted in June 2023.
Despite his legal victory, Peterson has faced widespread criticism. Many victims’ families believe he failed to fulfill his duty to protect students. The case raised broader questions about law enforcement response during mass shootings and whether officers can be held criminally responsible for inaction.
Additionally, lawsuits against the Broward County School District and law enforcement agencies are still pending. Families argue that failures in security measures and emergency response contributed to the high death toll. These cases seek financial compensation and policy changes to prevent future tragedies.
In the wake of the Parkland shooting, survivors and victims’ families have played a crucial role in pushing for gun reform. The student-led group March for Our Lives was formed shortly after the attack, advocating for stricter gun control laws, including universal background checks, assault weapon bans, and raising the minimum age for firearm purchases.
Their efforts have led to tangible policy changes. In Florida, lawmakers passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, which raised the minimum gun purchasing age to 21, established red-flag laws allowing temporary firearm confiscation from those deemed a threat, and required armed school resource officers on campus.
Despite these victories, gun control remains a contentious issue in the U.S. While some states have adopted stricter laws, others have loosened gun regulations. Advocates continue to pressure lawmakers for national reforms, emphasizing that school shootings are preventable tragedies that require immediate action.
Beyond the legal and political battles, the Parkland shooting’s impact on survivors’ mental health has been profound. Many continue to struggle with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The tragedy has also led to several heartbreaking losses due to suicide among those affected.
Mental health professionals stress the importance of long-term support for survivors of mass shootings. Programs offering therapy, peer support, and trauma-informed care have been critical in helping victims cope. However, many survivors argue that mental health services are still underfunded and inaccessible to those who need them most.
For some, activism has been a way to process grief and find purpose. Others have stepped away from the public eye, focusing on personal healing. The diverse paths survivors have taken underscore the complex and lasting effects of such a tragedy.
The Parkland shooting may have taken place in 2018, but its effects continue to ripple through courts, communities, and the national conversation on gun violence.
From legal battles over Cruz’s name to ongoing lawsuits against law enforcement and school officials, the search for accountability remains ongoing. Survivors and victims’ families continue to turn their pain into activism, fighting for policy changes and mental health resources.
As the nation reflects on the tragedy, one thing remains clear: the Parkland community refuses to be defined by the actions of a gunman. Instead, they are shaping a legacy of resilience, justice, and hope for a future without mass shootings.
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