NewsState

Actions

Nikolas Cruz defense attorneys seek to preserve most evidence in Florida school shooting

Posted at 8:34 AM, Jun 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-21 13:36:44-04

UPDATE: A hearing scheduled for Thursday has been rescheduled. It will now take place on July 16.

EARLIER:

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Defense attorneys for Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz are asking a judge to order investigators to preserve most evidence in the case, except for the building where the Valentine's Day massacre took place.

RELATED: More Parkland shooting coverage

A hearing was set Thursday on motions seeking to preserve evidence including field notes made by law enforcement officials that may have some bearing on the case. The motions don't object to the planned destruction of the crime scene building where 17 people died and 17 others were wounded in the attack in February.

Delayed until a July 16 hearing is another defense motion seeking to prevent public release of Cruz's statement to detectives after the shooting. The Cruz lawyers say it would jeopardize his fair trial rights.

Nineteen-year-old Cruz faces the death penalty if convicted.