Brother of Florida school shooter moving to Staunton

Brad Zinn | The News Leader

STAUNTON - The younger brother of the teenager suspected in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, where 17 people were killed in February, has been given the go ahead by the courts to move to Staunton, according to Nexus Services Inc. CEO Michael Donovan.

Zachary Cruz, 18, who has had a couple of run-ins with the law following the massacre, will be in the area within days, Donovan confirmed Friday.

Cruz is getting legal assistance from Nexus Derechos Humanos Inc., according to Donovan.

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An attorney for Cruz filed a motion Thursday stating the teen was offered a free home for one year in Staunton. He is on six months' probation for trespassing at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and needed court permission to leave, the Associated Press reported.

On Friday, a judge ruled that Cruz could serve the remainder of his probation in Virginia, "You need to just take this moment and appreciate what they're offering you," the judge told Cruz, according the AP. "Make wise choices."

"I'm very happy with the court's ruling," Cruz said after the hearing. "I'm looking forward to starting a new life there."

Since news of the possible move broke on Thursday, Donovan said he's aware of the social media backlash his company has received, but he said the negative reaction should dispel any notions that Nexus was looking for positive publicity by aiding Cruz.

"I believe we are here to assist people with a deep and abiding need," he said. "He's had a lot of trauma in his life."

Cruz's brother, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, is facing a possible death sentence on 17 counts of first-degree murder in the school shooting. He also faces 17 counts of attempted murder.

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Donovan said Zachary Cruz has a maintenance job and housing awaiting him, and said he begins job training next week at the company's Verona campus. The CEO said the change of scenery from Miami to a more rural location should benefit Cruz.

"The reality is Augusta County is an unbelievably welcoming place," Donovan said. "I hope the county will receive him well."

In Miami, Donovan said the younger Cruz is unfairly seen through the lens of his older brother.

"This is a great kid," he said.

As for the naysayers not willing to give Cruz the benefit of the doubt concerning his move, Dononan said, "This is The United States of America. Zachary Cruz can move wherever he wants."

Donovan said media publicity surrounding Cruz's move to Virginia will subside, allowing him to settle in.

"After a couple weeks, nobody is going to care," he said.

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Zachary Cruz was arrested May 1 and charged with violating conditions of his probation for driving without a valid driver’s license and for going within 25 feet of a parking lot of a high school in Lake Worth, local media in Florida reported.

The arrest was the second for Cruz since the mass shooting. He was apprehended March 19 at the Parkland campus after being warned to stay away from the school, according to the Sun-Sentinel newspaper. On March 29, he pleaded no contest to a trespassing charge and received probation and accompanying restrictions.

Following his second arrest, Cruz was held on a $500,000 bond, which Donovan said was "incredibly excessive" for a misdemeanor charge. Donovan also claims Cruz was tortured during his 10-day jail stay through sleep deprivation tactics.

Nexus Derechos Humanos filed a lawsuit last week against Broward County in Florida, he said.

The AP said Prosecutor Sarahnell Murphy closely questioned Nexus officials at the hearing about the level of supervision Cruz would be under, how he would get around and what kind of mental health counseling would be available. Nexus officials assured her they'd keep close tabs on Cruz and would ensure he met all requirements of his probation, including electronic monitoring.

Still, Murphy said she was concerned about Cruz leaving Broward County's jurisdiction. Prosecutors have previously noted Cruz's scrapes with police and said many "red flags" exist with him that were apparent with his brother after the shooting.

"I wish I could say I was without trepidation," Murphy said.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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