FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Dozens of families have been waiting for Nikolas Cruz to be convicted in the Parkland school attack. Next week, they could get more closure in the case.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Parkland School Shooting
Seventeen people were killed and another 17 were shot almost four years ago at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018.
Joaquin Oliver was one of the students killed in the attack. On Aug. 4, he would have been 21 years old.
"The sooner I get this out of my way, the better," said Manuel Oliver, Joaquin's father.
The accused gunman told the court Friday he plans to plead guilty to murder and attempted murder charges in the Parkland case.
Manuel Oliver said he is OK with the guilty plea because he wants the court process done.
"We don't need this part of the process. I was never happy with the idea of going to trial," Manuel Oliver said.
Cruz is facing multiple life in prison charges, and there is still a chance for the death penalty.
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"If we can skip the trial and still have the death penalty be on the table, I am OK with that," Manuel Oliver said.
Other parents of victims did not comment on Friday.
The father of Jaime Guttenberg, who was one of the students killed in the attack, tweeted, "My only comment is to remember the victims. Remember Jaime."
I have received messages today asking me to comment on the breaking murder trial news. My only comment is to remember the victims. Remember Jaime. Rather than talk about the murderer, please join us on Oct 23rd to celebrate Jaime's life by signing up at https://t.co/nNPMmsRd7R pic.twitter.com/gFuWctxzp2
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) October 15, 2021
Fred Guttenberg invited everyone to a celebration later this month to remember Jaime.
Some of the families were in court Friday. The judge and state attorney's office said in court they expect more to be at Wednesday's hearing.