Four hours after Nikolas Cruz stopped firing his AR-15 at Stoneman Douglas High School, he had been captured, cleared medically by a physician and locked in an interrogation room where, for much of the next six hours he would confess to his crimes. The substance of the confession is redacted, under Florida law, but what follows are five notable areas of the interrogation.
GETTING THE KILLER TO CONFESS
Broward sheriff’s Det. John Curcio gets the killer to begin confessing about a half hour into their interview. This is some of the exchange that preceded the killer’s first detailing of his actions, the details of which are redacted. (Note: Portions of this and other videos in this presentation are edited for time and clarity.)
CONTRADICTIONS ABOUT HIS WEAPON
Why did the killer buy the AR-15 rifle he used in the killings? At first he gives one reason – then, later, another.
THE DEMON VOICE
Just as he later blamed the gun selection on a demon, the killer tries to convince Curcio the evil voice in his head was behind his actions.
DETECTIVE CHALLENGES THE DEMON
Eventually, Curcio challenges the killer’s talk of a demon voice – and the exchange leads to a breakdown.
A BROTHER BREAKS THOUGH
After Cruz invokes his right to counsel, Curcio ends the questioning, but is able to elicit signs of remorse after he brings the killer’s brother into the interrogation room.
