@@howarddamico1237 Good!! Yes- let these kids teach us a lesson and not let their deaths be in vain. I need to start at this very moment too, we are all so guilty of it. I hope he doesn’t suffer from the casual exchange, it’s not his fault 😞
@@LStottmann I agree. We all do it. Mornings are crazy and everyone is in a rush, but we assume we have more time. It is normal. Part of the grieving process is guilt. Even though this was completely out of his control, he will still find something to blame himself for. I pray for each and every family in that courtroom.
I bawled my eyes out. Just to think how this monster’s actions affected everyone including strangers. May the families and friends and survivors find peace after he is sentenced to death
@@satisfyinglife4751 It means he's not just a statistic, a number, one of seventeen gunned down and murdered! He was a real person, he had a life, and a family and friends that loved him, he had a future to look forward to, he had goals, and dreams!
@@lindageorge6174 I mean, if a mentally ill person who has no life, no family, or friends is killed, it is an faceless target in the eyes of this dad! I don't get it!
"It was the kind of casual exchange you have when you think you have forever together" As a parent, that hit hard. These are the kind of exchanges I have each day before school, as I give my 2 daughters hugs and kisses before walking out the door. This is beyond terrible and heartbreaking
@@oceania4681 That is about what it coming down to, sadly. Just like with Columbine, several police reports and red flags on this guy....he even abused his mother and pulled out a gun on his brother over food. I would say even more obvious was the fact he directly posted pictures on social media of guns, mutilated animals, and his direct threats to kill. When the people whom are supposed to protect us fail to, we have to be proactive.
I am so sorry for your loss. My Dad buried 3 of his children: cancer, heart attack and suicide. All before 45. He had 6 remaining children at the time of his death. Please let me tell you how he survived: 1. Let yourself be emotional, its important to feel the pain otherwise it can overtake everything. Somedays its a trial just to wake up and get out of bed. 2, talk about them and talk about your memories, even if you talk like they're still there. 3, find a purpose, whatever it may be, find a cause or idea or organization that calls to your spirit and do it. 4, be kind to yourself and loved ones. Dad lived for about 40 additional years after his first child's death, the pain never goes away, its always there, you just learn to live with the pain.
Hi Liz your Dad strong ability to “ embrace change “ was inspiring to say the least. Many of these parents have obviously not been able to and forgiveness goes the distance in coming to realize life goes on. Thank You for sharing this.
I feel the same my 12 Principles of Behaviors & Norms teaches us to “ embrace change “ that we all experience life’s highs and lows but move forward don’t be the drip at the party life’s too short.
I cannot even begin to imagine that kind of pain that goes on endlessly. It's hard enough to lose a loved one to natural causes or an accident, but not in the morbid way these kids were murdered. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
His words were so painfully beautiful. The way in which he described his family dynamic and how it’s changed was so perfectly painted I felt every word as if I experienced it with them. Sending energy of continued healing to all affected by this tragedy and those alike. Thank you for your vulnerability, I wish nothing but the best.
the victim statements from this trial are some of the most brutal, heart wrenching, powerful victim statements to see a court... so tragic may all those affected by this tragedy find some semblance of peace and have good therapists and support systems
I’m having dinner myself on a work trip. Crying at my table for a family I’ve never met but whose love I’ve known thanks to this bitter sweet statement.
I am sorry you don’t have a dad like this. I didn’t either . But you have father in heaven who loves you more than any earthly father ever can. Talk to HIm and get a bible and read the book of John as a start. You will know how much your father in heaven loves you. I did that and my life was changed. I am typing this with love bc I know how you feel. As loving as this dad is, he is still a flawed human being as we all are. As a mother I know I could have done better myself…
The Judge asked for an early break after this testimony cause she was personally affected by it. She said hearing this testimony was like hearing your own words coming out of his mouth.
There are some things we cannot know. It would have been too hard to know that a gutless young man, who didn't deserve the air he breathed would ruin so many lives. So sorry to all who love Luke. 💘
Just a disgusting mentality. That kid was failed by his parents and guardians. No kid wakes up with that kind of evil in his heart. You throwing him away as if he were nothing is exactly why we ended up here. Show a little more compassion..not just at face value.
@@kungfu_kenny4135 I do not have compassion for someone who murdered 17 people and harmed many others. Beforehand yes he is the type of person that I would have befriended but after you cross that line you are nothing to me. I just want to know why this punk is still alive after all these years?
It's been tough to watch this murderer just sit there, dead in the face (and soul), putting his fingers in his ears during the replay of what he did, showing not a morsel of regret, remorse. I hope these words and what he did that day replay forever in his ears and in his mind. He has created such misery for so many.
@@blessall8856 Absolutely bcz he SHOULD HEAR what he did and how he disrupted so many lives; they should make him see the photos. Not only that, I noticed that he kept putting his head down and writing, scribbling or doodling on some paper. Even at one time he lifted his mask to drink water or whatever he had in the cup in front of him. He should NOT be allowed that. I don’t see how he could even have a defense lawyer. Anything less than the 💀 DP in NOT FITTING or TRUE JUSTICE. Take care & Maranatha from Hawaii🌺🌸
"...When Luke died, something went missing in me, and I'll never get it again...." what words. The Father is so eloquent in discussing something that no one should ever have to discuss.
Empathy: the ability to understand or share the feelings of another. I have watched over 100 hrs of this trial and Nicolas Cruz has exhibited neither of those things. This is not a human being, he is an animal, nay, he is less than that as I have witnessed empathy in animals. I'm torn between wanting death or life in prison for this slime. What I want is the most torturous existence allowable by God in this world or the next for Nikolas Cruz. That is the human me. The spiritual me wants to forgive him but I haven't lost anything and have no stake in this. Leave it up to the families like he requested....
I am for the Death penalty in open and shut cases. In my opinion this rises to the level of the Death penalty. It's designed to DETER the offender at hand. I have zero guilt in believing in CAPITAL punishment.
What disturbs me is knowing ANY person is capable of monstrosities if they aren't reared properly. The line between good and evil runs through the heart of every person.
He WANTS to be executed. He doesn't want to have to live this for the rest of his life. He wants to go down a martyr. Make him live a very long time in prison. The parents should fund the commissary accounts of inmates who torture rape or beat him provided he must always live through the attack. Make him feel the fear of being a target like his victims forever.
Seems like such a great man . When he says it was the kind of exchange you have with someone when you think you have forever together completely broke my heart .
I lost a son to violence so I know how these parents are feeling. My tears come out every time I hear one of the parents talk hurts my heart God bless them and I hope God gives them the peace that he gave me!😔😭
I am truly sorry but you are right. Only God can give us peace to endure the pain of our trials. He is with us. And these children are all with Him under His care. They have no memory of the horrors we are hearing about. Their families though are suffering here in this life without them.
@@debbiemartin2026 Only God can heal a broken heart. This never should have happened, It happened because of lazy, incompetent, arrogant officials like that scum sheriff Israel- who got on national TV and sarcastically and arrogantly try to shift the blame away from his incompetently led department.
2:19 😓"We had a family cocoon" . The protection and happiness you feel inside your family being distroyed by a senseless act of violence. May this family find peace 🙏🕯️
Tom and his wife used to come in to my job. I’d talk to them all the time. One time his mom said I looked like Luke. It broke my heart. I love these people so much. God bless them.
The kind of loss these idiots (who have no regard for life) cause is senseless. He should never be allowed to see the sunshine again. Ever. May these families and loved ones of the murdered find peace.
@Devon Hæbermän No one said there is a difference. The fact that so much time, energy and effort is being given just so he can have his ‘day in court’ is crazy. It is terrible the families have to be re-victimized in this way. Im sure he’s loving the attention.
Every time Cruz covered up his ears when they played back what happened, they should’ve cuffed him so he couldn’t. He probably plotted and turned himself off just before he set the plot in motion, because normally he isn’t tough. He needs to perceive everything he has done.
@Padraig Warren If he turns himself off, that’s a conscious act to do so, which adds to premeditation. The case wouldn’t get tossed on appeal. If you get the full psychology, you understand you need to grant him his wish to die. They should have done so a long time ago. He can’t learn and is a danger to society and at the same time continuously suffering while he is alive. He has been since the day he was born and it’s not going to stop. There is no cure. He wanted to die. He needs to die. It’s inhumane to both society and him to let him live.
I am not a parent, so I can’t even imagine that kind of pain. Just soul crushing. My condolences to everyone who lost someone due to this senseless tragedy.💜
@@rustynail1020 Death sentence. I believe in capital punishment. It should be applied to open and shut murder convictions. In my opinion this case fits that criteria. And by firing squad. I know we don't execute them in that way, but since your asking....
Heartbreaking 💔 You cannot convince me that an 18 year old’s “right” to own a gun is more important than children being able to live out their full life.
Not the time to be making political points. I understand this is an highly emotional thing to watch, but trying to score political points is inappropriate here. We can respect and grieve with these families as they share their statements without trumpeting our personal policy opinions.
@@ChadCath that’s what conservatives have always said. This could have been prevented if regulations were put in place after columbine, sandy hook, pulse, fort hood, or the thousands of other mass shootings that have happened over the years.
@@clivebunker3823 shhhh no you’re making too much sense right now for them you’re becoming “woke”. It’s like asking them to look OUTSIDE of the United States for once in their lives and compare our numbers with other countries. We have more mass shootings then every other country combined, yet that’s still not enough for change in their eyes.
As father this is heartbreaking and it truly reminded me to enjoy every single moment with my kids. I'm very sorry for your loss sir, I hope you and your loved ones find peace in this lifetime.
After watching several of these I am in tears and just can’t stop crying. Lord please keep your loving arms around these families. I am so sorry such terrible tragedies exist in this world.
I want to say how disgusting it is that a person like Nicholas Cruz might hear these accounts and not care, because his own life lacked the meaning and connection and joy that these other kids seemed to have. I wonder if these sick, empty murderers do what they do because they are deeply jealous of others who seem to have the happiness they themselves lack. It infuriates me to think that a person could have no regard for the harm they do to their fellow humans. Because they have no self- regard, and therefore can have no regard for anyone.
He’s not showing any empathy or tears because this is and will be the most attention he’s ever received and I’m sure this was probably the moment he was waiting for🤦🏾♀️ a true psychopath🤷🏾♀️
The strength of all of these parents is just extraordinary. I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child and in such an evil and tragic way. And then to be in the same room as the person that took that life from u, while remaining strong and in control. It's inspiring but also very heartbreaking to hear them speak about the child that was taken from them.
As I listen to the parents and siblings speak about the loss in their families my heart cries with them and for them. I pray as they move forward that some how some way something good comes out of these senseless killings.
I NEVER tear up at any videos like this. But this trial was hard for me to watch and makes me sick to my stomach. Its just in a knot. The things I imagine doing to that guy who murdered and maimed so many, I hope he suffers every waking moment of his, worthless, hopeless, dismal life.
I think this is it, not gonna watch anymore vids about this trial….it’s way too sad and it boils my blood that this person who took 17 lives may get the chance to live.
oh my god. this is just so sad and so wrong. like most people i cried through this and now i am just left with anger. sir, please don't allow yourself to feel guilty. it was a regular school day and mornings are crazy. i am so sorry. everyone who sees this is giving you a hug right now and hoping for healing for you and your family...
Having a father come forward HAS to be a truly broken man. I only have 1 son and I can’t imagine that loss. I’ve heard of parents forgiving their child’s murderer and looking passed their child’s killers life. I don’t know if I could ever forgive my sons killer if he had one…I wouldn’t expect any other parent to do the same.
I oftentimes sit back and watch my husband interact with our kids...our son is 16..a junior in high school now...our daughter I 19..a sophomore in college.. The moments they share are mostly of laughter...and those silly moments of picking on each other...or the serious moments talking about struggles at school..grades..social awkward moments that usually are turned into laughter... I am their mother...and my love for those 2 kids...there isn't a measurement know to mankind that can describe how much I love them... My husband....their daddy...(they still both call him that...daddy)loves them to the moon and back...and all the way back to the moon again, he tells them that daily... I can't wrap my brain around the loss this man feels...the complete and total devastating loss of loosing a child in such a horrendous way... Hold tightly to your children...and never let a moment pass that you don't express your love for them...even when they respond with exasperating eye rolling sighs...make sure they know..
Unfortunately the devil walks amongst us. The jury has the opportunity to put this devil 😈 to rest. These families will forever be broken. I'm so sorry sir for your families loss.
Whenever I hear these poor families speak, I can’t help but think that animal is enjoying hearing the pain and suffering he has caused and it makes me nauseous. May all the victims Rest In Peace. A tragedy of epic proportions. Absolutely heartbroken for these families.
Tom, our hearts and prayers go out to you and Gina and your family. Words cannot express how you must feel on this day. The Jennings Clan of SC will always be there for you all. God bless you Tom, take care. Jeff
I'm so so sorry for your loss and can't imagine the grief your going through I send you my love and prayers and to all the families that have been touched by this evil monster and hope for justice the death penalty ❤️
I’m 22 years old, 2 years ago I lost my health to a traumatic event that left me mistrusting of doctors and put me in persistent chronic pain. I’m 2 years now in chronic pain, one operation in, a fight not yet won but I feel like the loss of me is very similar to how I view my old self, I talk about the old me like it was a person who died and I feel deeply relatable to these families. Pain runs deep and you don’t know it until it’s its destroying your life. I’ll never get over me, I’ll never get over the loss of my health to an unprofessional person in the medical field… I’ll never be happy, so much time stolen from me over some psycho path doctor. I have such a hard time and deeply feel the parent’s pain, anger and trauma. I don’t know anymore, I just wish the world was a safer place
I hope you find some peace. You're so young. I didn't experience anything bad, but I mistrust doctors. I've become a home herbalist. I was sexually abused as a small child and suffer a weird relationship with my body and my health. My time wildcrafting, searching for plants and doing art brings me closer to myself. The word I use is restoration. I hope you find restoration too.💚 The world is a crazy place, but in our own time we create little pockets of love, shelter and communion. Remember your journey is just beginning💚 I'm 43, being 22 was so long ago but just like yesterday all the same.
I've definitely said this before i mourn what was me my friend broke down one time because she said I was never the same after my accident. I lost my leg and broke the other. I'm 27 now this was 6 years ago its hard.moving on when ur body doesn't physically let you.
@@ladydeath.x I agree, I injured my neck when I was 27 and don't really know how it happened. I'm now 43 and still haven't figured out how I damaged the nerves that control the movement of my neck. The doctors have diagnosed me with an incurable injury and have tried everything they can. Much of my life ceased at that moment. The injury has caused me to miss out on lots of things like playing catch with my son and now my grandson. I have to sleep sitting up and that causes my legs to swell.
@@jamesplymire5342 I feel for you I'm so sorry nerves are such a tricky thing doctors try and put me on a cocktail of medications but along with withdrawal clinic not having ur meds or Dr's notes mess up its consuming. growing older scares me I heard and interview where a boys mom had chronic pain and depression and explained how it took a toll on his life as well. I just hope for the best .
My dear Mr.Hoyer...take comfort in Jesus...He knows your suffering having died for our sins ..In Him there is peace and eternal life with no more tears!!!!
HOW !!! Can someone do that to other people who have never even known the shooter ????,HOW can you hurt fellow human beings like that ?!? All I know is everyone should hold on tight because the face of evil is this !!! And if this doesn’t qualify for the death penalty WHAT IN F DOES??????????
When he said “I’ll never get to argue with him about mowing the lawn” truly hit me, something every parent has with their child, something a parent who has lost everything would give one moment to have any sort of interaction, a parent would give anything for
My heart is broken 💔 for the families who loss a loved one in this horrible act of violence. Prayers to all who’s going through this loss in their lives ♥️
I have a 14 ys old son who is autistic an a 17yr old daughter and I could not imagine the pain that these parents are feeling having to go threw this. It was so hard for me to lose my mom but to lose my child I would have bene in a mental hospital. These parents are heros. They are fighting to keep their babies names out there, they are fighting to change the kaws,they are fighting to keep their families together,they are fighting each day with the last words they spoke to their kids. I always make sure that I tell my kids I love you because you never know I have lost so many family members in 3 yrs I lost 15 ppl including ym mom her dad an mom who passed 6 months from my mom an 1 month after my mom. My cousin also was at a high school here in Ga an someone came in an shot the school up. It wasn't as big as Colimbine at the time. She was late that day an had pulled up when the kid started shooting and she ducked down in her car. At that time we didn't have cell phones but she had a car phone. She was able to call 911. If she would have been at school that day she would have been one of the kids who was killed or hurt as he went to her class. It's sad that this keeps happening.
Hey it’s good to hear about a fellow autistic person. I am autistic and I have my own struggles. I also have cerebral palsy. I am both physically and mentally handicapped. Im the lucky one when it comes to the cerebral palsy. I can still walk even though my legs tire very easily. I can write though my tremors make it difficult. I’ve overcome the odds my entire life. I do not know what your son is like as autism is a spectrum. We may share some issues but differ with others. With all these problems I have still managed to become a functioning member of society. My point is that with enough thought you can work through anything. These parents need this advice.
Thank you Tom for sharing that powerful impact statement with us. Our deepest condolences to you and your family . May Luke's memory, and the memories of the 16 other victims of the terrible tragedy on Valentine's Day, 2018 continue to endure as eternal blessings. 🕯️ ♥️
“It was the kind of casual exchange you have together, when you think you have forever”. 💔 I’m so so sorry for your loss and many others.
This got to me 💯😢 bless his heart
@@howarddamico1237 Good!! Yes- let these kids teach us a lesson and not let their deaths be in vain. I need to start at this very moment too, we are all so guilty of it. I hope he doesn’t suffer from the casual exchange, it’s not his fault 😞
@@LStottmann I agree. We all do it. Mornings are crazy and everyone is in a rush, but we assume we have more time. It is normal. Part of the grieving process is guilt. Even though this was completely out of his control, he will still find something to blame himself for. I pray for each and every family in that courtroom.
Read your comment................ Heard the father say it, it killed me inside.
I bawled my eyes out. Just to think how this monster’s actions affected everyone including strangers. May the families and friends and survivors find peace after he is sentenced to death
Luke clearly was exceptional. This man’s quiet and simple eloquence communicated his great love for his son and moved me to tears.
My heart breaks for this man. Such a soft spoken, strong man.
What does this dad mean by saying that his son was not an faceless target?
I wanted to hear this man's words
@@satisfyinglife4751 That Luke had his own life and story not just a name that meant little to anyone other than family
@@satisfyinglife4751 It means he's not just a statistic, a number, one of seventeen gunned down and murdered! He was a real person, he had a life, and a family and friends that loved him, he had a future to look forward to, he had goals, and dreams!
@@lindageorge6174 I mean, if a mentally ill person who has no life, no family, or friends is killed, it is an faceless target in the eyes of this dad! I don't get it!
"It was the kind of casual exchange you have when you think you have forever together" As a parent, that hit hard. These are the kind of exchanges I have each day before school, as I give my 2 daughters hugs and kisses before walking out the door. This is beyond terrible and heartbreaking
Life is so fragile. No guarantees. God have mercy on us in our weakness.
God I know it , I thought the very same thing ...can't imagine what these parents are going through
Time to buy our kids bulletproof vests
@@oceania4681 That is about what it coming down to, sadly. Just like with Columbine, several police reports and red flags on this guy....he even abused his mother and pulled out a gun on his brother over food. I would say even more obvious was the fact he directly posted pictures on social media of guns, mutilated animals, and his direct threats to kill. When the people whom are supposed to protect us fail to, we have to be proactive.
I wonder if any parents of the 17 murdered lost their one and only child?
I am so sorry for your loss. My Dad buried 3 of his children: cancer, heart attack and suicide. All before 45. He had 6 remaining children at the time of his death. Please let me tell you how he survived: 1. Let yourself be emotional, its important to feel the pain otherwise it can overtake everything. Somedays its a trial just to wake up and get out of bed. 2, talk about them and talk about your memories, even if you talk like they're still there. 3, find a purpose, whatever it may be, find a cause or idea or organization that calls to your spirit and do it. 4, be kind to yourself and loved ones. Dad lived for about 40 additional years after his first child's death, the pain never goes away, its always there, you just learn to live with the pain.
Amazing advice thank you for sharing
He had NINE kids?! Are you guys Jewish?
@@richarddavis3157 were a blended family
Hi Liz your Dad strong ability to “ embrace change “ was inspiring to say the least. Many of these parents have obviously not been able to and forgiveness goes the distance in coming to realize life goes on. Thank You for sharing this.
I feel the same my 12 Principles of Behaviors & Norms teaches us to “ embrace change “ that we all experience life’s highs and lows but move forward don’t be the drip at the party life’s too short.
The eloquence and grace of this man is incredible. I feel so terrible for him and wish him peace as much as possible.
I cannot even begin to imagine that kind of pain that goes on endlessly. It's hard enough to lose a loved one to natural causes or an accident, but not in the morbid way these kids were murdered.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Because it was no accident. It could’ve been prevented.
@@oceania4681 you're damn right it could have been prevented
...as a parent, this is absolutely heart-wrenching to watch. I feel for the families and can't even begin to imagine their loss.
He will never need to ask for a table for 5 anymore . How heartbreaking 💔
His words were so painfully beautiful. The way in which he described his family dynamic and how it’s changed was so perfectly painted I felt every word as if I experienced it with them. Sending energy of continued healing to all affected by this tragedy and those alike. Thank you for your vulnerability, I wish nothing but the best.
the victim statements from this trial are some of the most brutal, heart wrenching, powerful victim statements to see a court... so tragic may all those affected by this tragedy find some semblance of peace and have good therapists and support systems
I’m having dinner myself on a work trip. Crying at my table for a family I’ve never met but whose love I’ve known thanks to this bitter sweet statement.
May God bless us all 🤍
My heart hurts for those families.
Same, these shootings in the US are so senseless.
Wish I had a dad like this
AMEN to your reply
Me too
I am sorry you don’t have a dad like this. I didn’t either .
But you have father in heaven who loves you more than any earthly father ever can. Talk to HIm and get a bible and read the book of John as a start. You will know how much your father in heaven loves you. I did that and my life was changed.
I am typing this with love bc I know how you feel.
As loving as this dad is, he is still a flawed human being as we all are.
As a mother I know I could have done better myself…
@@debbiemartin2026 amen amen and amen again.
@@mi3helle707 It’s the truth… thank you.
These parents and siblings are so courageous. I don't know how they do this and sit within feet of the person who caused all this misery.
I admire the strength and courage that it takes the poor grieving loved ones to speak about their loss. My heart goes out to them.
The Judge asked for an early break after this testimony cause she was personally affected by it. She said hearing this testimony was like hearing your own words coming out of his mouth.
My heart absolutely breaks for the parents. Every single video I cried with them. I just can’t imagine😞
There are some things we cannot know. It would have been too hard to know that a gutless young man, who didn't deserve the air he breathed would ruin so many lives. So sorry to all who love Luke. 💘
Compounded by the fact that the police were ordered to just let it happen, like in Uvalde.
Indeed. Toni is right on that one..
Just a disgusting mentality. That kid was failed by his parents and guardians. No kid wakes up with that kind of evil in his heart. You throwing him away as if he were nothing is exactly why we ended up here. Show a little more compassion..not just at face value.
@@anthonyfauci7837 not to mention the 26 phone calls to 911.
@@kungfu_kenny4135 I do not have compassion for someone who murdered 17 people and harmed many others. Beforehand yes he is the type of person that I would have befriended but after you cross that line you are nothing to me.
I just want to know why this punk is still alive after all these years?
The beauty and passionate love within parenthood is evident in these parents recounting their precious children. I mourn for them all.....
It's been tough to watch this murderer just sit there, dead in the face (and soul), putting his fingers in his ears during the replay of what he did, showing not a morsel of regret, remorse. I hope these words and what he did that day replay forever in his ears and in his mind. He has created such misery for so many.
The Judge and his attorneys must tell him to stop putting his hands on his ears and face!
@@blessall8856 Absolutely bcz he SHOULD HEAR what he did and how he disrupted so many lives; they should make him see the photos. Not only that, I noticed that he kept putting his head down and writing, scribbling or doodling on some paper. Even at one time he lifted his mask to drink water or whatever he had in the cup in front of him. He should NOT be allowed that. I don’t see how he could even have a defense lawyer. Anything less than the 💀 DP in NOT FITTING or TRUE JUSTICE. Take care & Maranatha from Hawaii🌺🌸
I’ve watched several of the victim impact testimonies and it is gut wrenching
"...When Luke died, something went missing in me, and I'll never get it again...." what words. The Father is so eloquent in discussing something that no one should ever have to discuss.
Empathy: the ability to understand or share the feelings of another. I have watched over 100 hrs of this trial and Nicolas Cruz has exhibited neither of those things. This is not a human being, he is an animal, nay, he is less than that as I have witnessed empathy in animals. I'm torn between wanting death or life in prison for this slime. What I want is the most torturous existence allowable by God in this world or the next for Nikolas Cruz. That is the human me. The spiritual me wants to forgive him but I haven't lost anything and have no stake in this. Leave it up to the families like he requested....
I am for the Death penalty in open and shut cases. In my opinion this rises to the level of the Death penalty. It's designed to DETER the offender at hand. I have zero guilt in believing in CAPITAL punishment.
What disturbs me is knowing ANY person is capable of monstrosities if they aren't reared properly. The line between good and evil runs through the heart of every person.
He WANTS to be executed. He doesn't want to have to live this for the rest of his life. He wants to go down a martyr. Make him live a very long time in prison. The parents should fund the commissary accounts of inmates who torture rape or beat him provided he must always live through the attack. Make him feel the fear of being a target like his victims forever.
@@trace_you6337 Yeah, there needs to be a precedent set. We should bring back public hangings for animals like this one.
Predators don't have empathy towards their victims, not even in the animal world. So you got it right the first time.
My heart breaks for this Dad..
Luke, great name. Sorry for your loss. You're a great dad.
Yes Luke was a physician. And very important.
This judge always can tell when a break is needed especially with the emotions with this case. She’s a great judge ❤
Nah
@@BIGGUNNDON I'm with you on the "nah".
Seems like such a great man . When he says it was the kind of exchange you have with someone when you think you have forever together completely broke my heart .
What a beautifully eloquent quiet man. I hope he knows how loud his love for his son comes across, he knew
I lost a son to violence so I know how these parents are feeling. My tears come out every time I hear one of the parents talk hurts my heart God bless them and I hope God gives them the peace that he gave me!😔😭
I don’t have any children but my heart breaks for u and any other parent who has lost a child I pray for peace among u all❤️
I am truly sorry but you are right. Only God can give us peace to endure the pain of our trials. He is with us. And these children are all with Him under His care. They have no memory of the horrors we are hearing about. Their families though are suffering here in this life without them.
@@debbiemartin2026 Only God can heal a broken heart.
This never should have happened,
It happened because of lazy, incompetent, arrogant officials like that scum sheriff Israel- who got on national TV and sarcastically and arrogantly try to shift the blame away from his incompetently led department.
2:19 😓"We had a family cocoon" . The protection and happiness you feel inside your family being distroyed by a senseless act of violence. May this family find peace 🙏🕯️
Tom and his wife used to come in to my job. I’d talk to them all the time. One time his mom said I looked like Luke. It broke my heart. I love these people so much. God bless them.
I’m so sad. I’m so sorry for all these families. This is heartbreaking.
Great spoken words by that father. Heartfelt words.❤
Absolute heartache. Noone should ever ever have to endure this. God be with them all.
Poor parents, such a brutal unfair way of loosing a child, unfathomable💔💔💔
This is why I’m scared of having kids, this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. A parent shouldn’t grieve a child.
Life isn't fair
What a strong and true statement. Your son indeed was not a faceless target. Breaks my heart, and is mind blowing.
3:06 “i wish i had the chance, it made me proud of him” and that little half smile💔 made me pause the video and call my father.
The kind of loss these idiots (who have no regard for life) cause is senseless.
He should never be allowed to see the sunshine again. Ever.
May these families and loved ones of the murdered find peace.
Death by vitamin d deficiency
DEATH PENALTY !!!!
@Devon Hæbermän No one said there is a difference. The fact that so much time, energy and effort is being given just so he can have his ‘day in court’ is crazy. It is terrible the families have to be re-victimized in this way. Im sure he’s loving the attention.
I know what he lost, and took some of his pain in, and I know his son was not a faceless target.
Every time Cruz covered up his ears when they played back what happened, they should’ve cuffed him so he couldn’t. He probably plotted and turned himself off just before he set the plot in motion, because normally he isn’t tough. He needs to perceive everything he has done.
@Padraig Warren If he turns himself off, that’s a conscious act to do so, which adds to premeditation. The case wouldn’t get tossed on appeal. If you get the full psychology, you understand you need to grant him his wish to die. They should have done so a long time ago. He can’t learn and is a danger to society and at the same time continuously suffering while he is alive. He has been since the day he was born and it’s not going to stop. There is no cure. He wanted to die. He needs to die. It’s inhumane to both society and him to let him live.
I am not a parent, so I can’t even imagine that kind of pain. Just soul crushing. My condolences to everyone who lost someone due to this senseless tragedy.💜
I wish I could give this dad a hug.
Too sad to listen to.. Completely unforgivable what that monster brought upon that community.
if it was up to you, what would his sentence be?
@@rustynail1020 Death sentence. I believe in capital punishment. It should be applied to open and shut murder convictions. In my opinion this case fits that criteria. And by firing squad. I know we don't execute them in that way, but since your asking....
@@trace_you6337 i was interested in your reply. for some reason i could not read past, but since your asking....
@@rustynail1020 😁👍
@@trace_you6337 thanx ??
absolutely devastating. RIP man. my heart hurts for these families..
Such loss and for what? Heartbreaking
Heartbreaking 💔 You cannot convince me that an 18 year old’s “right” to own a gun is more important than children being able to live out their full life.
Not the time to be making political points. I understand this is an highly emotional thing to watch, but trying to score political points is inappropriate here.
We can respect and grieve with these families as they share their statements without trumpeting our personal policy opinions.
I think the more important question is why would anyone use a gun to shoot someone.
@@ChadCath that’s what conservatives have always said. This could have been prevented if regulations were put in place after columbine, sandy hook, pulse, fort hood, or the thousands of other mass shootings that have happened over the years.
@@clivebunker3823 shhhh no you’re making too much sense right now for them you’re becoming “woke”. It’s like asking them to look OUTSIDE of the United States for once in their lives and compare our numbers with other countries. We have more mass shootings then every other country combined, yet that’s still not enough for change in their eyes.
@@clivebunker3823 exactly
As father this is heartbreaking and it truly reminded me to enjoy every single moment with my kids. I'm very sorry for your loss sir, I hope you and your loved ones find peace in this lifetime.
After watching several of these I am in tears and just can’t stop crying. Lord please keep your loving arms around these families. I am so sorry such terrible tragedies exist in this world.
I want to say how disgusting it is that a person like Nicholas Cruz might hear these accounts and not care, because his own life lacked the meaning and connection and joy that these other kids seemed to have. I wonder if these sick, empty murderers do what they do because they are deeply jealous of others who seem to have the happiness they themselves lack. It infuriates me to think that a person could have no regard for the harm they do to their fellow humans. Because they have no self- regard, and therefore can have no regard for anyone.
It's probably because they were gang stalked for no real reason.
We noticed he has not shed one tear after hearing what he has done to these families.
@@blessall8856 I was thinking the same. Everyone is tearing up. He has no emotion. Psychopath. No remorse either. He ruined all these families lives.
Someone Out-there, No N. Cruz was not bullied by any gang.
He’s not showing any empathy or tears because this is and will be the most attention he’s ever received and I’m sure this was probably the moment he was waiting for🤦🏾♀️ a true psychopath🤷🏾♀️
Bless these parents. Their losses are unimaginable.
The strength of all of these parents is just extraordinary. I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child and in such an evil and tragic way. And then to be in the same room as the person that took that life from u, while remaining strong and in control. It's inspiring but also very heartbreaking to hear them speak about the child that was taken from them.
God bless this man and all his family. I will hold them all in prayers. 🙏🏻
The same god that knew this would happen and did nothing to stop it?
Oh how sad these parents having to go through this. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
One word----heartbreaking!
As I listen to the parents and siblings speak about the loss in their families my heart cries with them and for them. I pray as they move forward that some how some way something good comes out of these senseless killings.
My heart breaks for these families. I feel such a combination of anger and sadness…cannot even imagine how these parents feel.
My grandmother lost her son and it never gets better…..
I NEVER tear up at any videos like this. But this trial was hard for me to watch and makes me sick to my stomach. Its just in a knot. The things I imagine doing to that guy who murdered and maimed so many, I hope he suffers every waking moment of his, worthless, hopeless, dismal life.
I think this is it, not gonna watch anymore vids about this trial….it’s way too sad and it boils my blood that this person who took 17 lives may get the chance to live.
oh my god. this is just so sad and so wrong. like most people i cried through this and now i am just left with anger. sir, please don't allow yourself to feel guilty. it was a regular school day and mornings are crazy. i am so sorry. everyone who sees this is giving you a hug right now and hoping for healing for you and your family...
Immeasurable pain, followed by endless grief. The devil is busy, but God is busier! Keeping all these families in prayer!
God, love and good wins
god let these chrildren die. god doesnt care about us, he never did.
Then why did God allow this to happen, and why did he make these poor families suffer? Prayer will do nothing for these families. Action will.
Prayer doesn’t do anything unfortunately.
@@lindseyd734 .
Having a father come forward HAS to be a truly broken man. I only have 1 son and I can’t imagine that loss. I’ve heard of parents forgiving their child’s murderer and looking passed their child’s killers life. I don’t know if I could ever forgive my sons killer if he had one…I wouldn’t expect any other parent to do the same.
Its amazing how one insect can damage so much grain….
Man, what a nightmare - no one deserves this. I hope your family can heal through this.
How calm he is, is the most heart breaking thing
I oftentimes sit back and watch my husband interact with our kids...our son is 16..a junior in high school now...our daughter I 19..a sophomore in college..
The moments they share are mostly of laughter...and those silly moments of picking on each other...or the serious moments talking about struggles at school..grades..social awkward moments that usually are turned into laughter...
I am their mother...and my love for those 2 kids...there isn't a measurement know to mankind that can describe how much I love them...
My husband....their daddy...(they still both call him that...daddy)loves them to the moon and back...and all the way back to the moon again, he tells them that daily... I can't wrap my brain around the loss this man feels...the complete and total devastating loss of loosing a child in such a horrendous way...
Hold tightly to your children...and never let a moment pass that you don't express your love for them...even when they respond with exasperating eye rolling sighs...make sure they know..
Unfortunately the devil walks amongst us. The jury has the opportunity to put this devil 😈 to rest. These families will forever be broken. I'm so sorry sir for your families loss.
Such a good family! Cruz deprived this wonderful family of beautiful life they had. This is horrific!
He describes a family any of us would be proud to be part of, God bless this man for his courage today !!!
The audacity of this evil soul to do this to innocent children. So so infuriating.
Whenever I hear these poor families speak, I can’t help but think that animal is enjoying hearing the pain and suffering he has caused and it makes me nauseous. May all the victims Rest In Peace. A tragedy of epic proportions. Absolutely heartbroken for these families.
The only comfort I have is that they will all see each other again and they will live together in enternity
Tom, our hearts and prayers go out to you and Gina and your family. Words cannot express how you must feel on this day. The Jennings Clan of SC will always be there for you all. God bless you Tom, take care. Jeff
I'm so so sorry for your loss and can't imagine the grief your going through I send you my love and prayers and to all the families that have been touched by this evil monster and hope for justice the death penalty ❤️
Beautiful testimony. If i was luke id be proud of you too!
I’m 22 years old, 2 years ago I lost my health to a traumatic event that left me mistrusting of doctors and put me in persistent chronic pain. I’m 2 years now in chronic pain, one operation in, a fight not yet won but I feel like the loss of me is very similar to how I view my old self, I talk about the old me like it was a person who died and I feel deeply relatable to these families. Pain runs deep and you don’t know it until it’s its destroying your life. I’ll never get over me, I’ll never get over the loss of my health to an unprofessional person in the medical field… I’ll never be happy, so much time stolen from me over some psycho path doctor. I have such a hard time and deeply feel the parent’s pain, anger and trauma.
I don’t know anymore, I just wish the world was a safer place
I hope you find some peace. You're so young. I didn't experience anything bad, but I mistrust doctors. I've become a home herbalist. I was sexually abused as a small child and suffer a weird relationship with my body and my health. My time wildcrafting, searching for plants and doing art brings me closer to myself. The word I use is restoration. I hope you find restoration too.💚 The world is a crazy place, but in our own time we create little pockets of love, shelter and communion. Remember your journey is just beginning💚 I'm 43, being 22 was so long ago but just like yesterday all the same.
I've definitely said this before i mourn what was me my friend broke down one time because she said I was never the same after my accident. I lost my leg and broke the other. I'm 27 now this was 6 years ago its hard.moving on when ur body doesn't physically let you.
@@ladydeath.x I agree, I injured my neck when I was 27 and don't really know how it happened. I'm now 43 and still haven't figured out how I damaged the nerves that control the movement of my neck. The doctors have diagnosed me with an incurable injury and have tried everything they can. Much of my life ceased at that moment. The injury has caused me to miss out on lots of things like playing catch with my son and now my grandson. I have to sleep sitting up and that causes my legs to swell.
I wish you peace.
@@jamesplymire5342 I feel for you I'm so sorry nerves are such a tricky thing doctors try and put me on a cocktail of medications but along with withdrawal clinic not having ur meds or Dr's notes mess up its consuming. growing older scares me I heard and interview where a boys mom had chronic pain and depression and explained how it took a toll on his life as well. I just hope for the best .
I've never been an advocate of THE DEATH SENTENCE...until now.
I can’t even fathom the pain of waking every day knowing you can’t see your son.
Why allow this killer to live another minute? Why?
Luke was a handsome boy, he looked like his handsome father. 💕
My heart is so heavy hearing this
My dear Mr.Hoyer...take comfort in Jesus...He knows your suffering having died for our sins ..In Him there is peace and eternal life with no more tears!!!!
Every victim statement I watch just breaks my heart
I'm so sorry for the loss of your son Luke so sorry my Condolences to your family.
I'm crying and I'm angry, This gun violence needs to stop. This poor family.
I am so sorry Thomas. I wish you nothing but STRENGTH for your ongoing path of grief. Sending love to you from Europe 🤍
Such an eloquent speech.
HOW !!! Can someone do that to other people who have never even known the shooter ????,HOW can you hurt fellow human beings like that ?!? All I know is everyone should hold on tight because the face of evil is this !!! And if this doesn’t qualify for the death penalty WHAT IN F DOES??????????
This hurt to watch. Dear God, please comfort them.
This impact statement is what good is about. May God comfort them through this time. Losing a child makes no sense to family.
What a wonderful boy, and he had a wonderful dad.🙏🏼
When he said “I’ll never get to argue with him about mowing the lawn” truly hit me, something every parent has with their child, something a parent who has lost everything would give one moment to have any sort of interaction, a parent would give anything for
My heart is broken 💔 for the families who loss a loved one in this horrible act of violence. Prayers to all who’s going through this loss in their lives ♥️
What a well spoken smart man and I feel so bad for him and all the families affected by this tragedy
I have a 14 ys old son who is autistic an a 17yr old daughter and I could not imagine the pain that these parents are feeling having to go threw this. It was so hard for me to lose my mom but to lose my child I would have bene in a mental hospital. These parents are heros. They are fighting to keep their babies names out there, they are fighting to change the kaws,they are fighting to keep their families together,they are fighting each day with the last words they spoke to their kids. I always make sure that I tell my kids I love you because you never know I have lost so many family members in 3 yrs I lost 15 ppl including ym mom her dad an mom who passed 6 months from my mom an 1 month after my mom. My cousin also was at a high school here in Ga an someone came in an shot the school up. It wasn't as big as Colimbine at the time. She was late that day an had pulled up when the kid started shooting and she ducked down in her car. At that time we didn't have cell phones but she had a car phone. She was able to call 911. If she would have been at school that day she would have been one of the kids who was killed or hurt as he went to her class. It's sad that this keeps happening.
Hey it’s good to hear about a fellow autistic person. I am autistic and I have my own struggles. I also have cerebral palsy. I am both physically and mentally handicapped. Im the lucky one when it comes to the cerebral palsy. I can still walk even though my legs tire very easily. I can write though my tremors make it difficult. I’ve overcome the odds my entire life. I do not know what your son is like as autism is a spectrum. We may share some issues but differ with others. With all these problems I have still managed to become a functioning member of society. My point is that with enough thought you can work through anything. These parents need this advice.
If I was a parent let’s just say he wouldn’t even be alive to sit in front of a jury
Everything these families are describing is what Nickolas didn’t have…
These families are so broken. If you pray please keep them in your prayers
Thank you Tom for sharing that powerful impact statement with us. Our deepest condolences to you and your family . May Luke's memory, and the memories of the 16 other victims of the terrible tragedy on Valentine's Day, 2018 continue to endure as eternal blessings. 🕯️ ♥️