Former Broward County sheriff’s deputy Scot Peterson, who was fired for failing to confront the gunman during the Parkland high school shooting in 2018, expressed his anticipation for his upcoming trial in a recent court hearing. Peterson maintains that he did everything he could to protect the victims and believes the truth will come out during the trial. Some of the victims’ parents have criticized Peterson for his inaction, earning him the label “the coward of Broward.” Peterson now resides in North Carolina and could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Charged with multiple counts of child neglect and culpable negligence, Peterson’s defense argues that he believed the shots were coming from outside the school, a sentiment shared by several other witnesses. The trial is set to begin at the end of May, and jury selection is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
During the court hearing, Peterson’s lawyer requested a delay until August due to conflicts with defense witnesses, but the judge denied the request. The prosecution also suggested having jurors tour the blood-stained halls of the classroom building, similar to what was done during the trial of Nikolas Cruz, the gunman, last year. However, the judge expressed doubts about the necessity of the tour, considering the available video and photo evidence. A final decision on the matter will be made later. It is likely that the jury will visit the school to see the area where Peterson was stationed during the attack.
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that Peterson knew the gunman was inside the building and that his actions or lack thereof exposed more victims to harm. Security footage reveals that Peterson left his office and reached the crime scene shortly after the attack began. Instead of entering the building, he took cover outside, believing the shots were coming from outside. Cruz continued firing shots inside the building for several minutes before surrendering. Cruz pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to life in prison after a jury could not unanimously agree on a death sentence.
The trial is expected to last several months, with opening statements scheduled for early June. Peterson’s defense plans to present 22 witnesses who share his belief that the shots were originating from outside the school. The public and especially the families of the victims are hoping that the trial will finally provide a clear understanding of what transpired on that tragic day in 2018.
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