Broward State Attorney Michael Satz has responded to an offer from accused Majory Stoneman Douglas killer Nikolas Cruz. Lawyers from the Public Defenders Office stated Cruz would plead guilty to the seventeen murder charges if the State took the death penalty off the table. In a statement, Satz said this is not the appropriate time to discuss the matter.

“Now is the time to let the families grieve and bury their children and loved ones,” Satz said. He stated the Broward SAO will continue to work the case with BSO, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Satz said, “This certainly is the type of case the death penalty was designed for.”

The full statement is below.

“This event is absolutely horrific and tragic. Now is the time to let the families grieve and bury their children and loved ones. We are working this case with BSO, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. This certainly is the type of case the death penalty was designed for. This was a highly calculated and premeditated murder of 17 people and the attempted murder of everyone in that school. Our office will announce our formal position at the appropriate time.”- Michael J. Satz, State Attorney, 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County