FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Alleged Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz filed a motion Monday to remove Judge Elizabeth Scherer from his murder trial.
According to court documents, Cruz's defense team has expressed concerns over Scherer, citing issues with court reporting, as well as her communications with the prosecution team. The defense claims this raises concerns that Scherer will not remain impartial.
Scherer has presided over the case since Cruz was arrested after the shootings that left 17 people dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018.
Jury selection in Cruz's trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 27, a date Scherer has continued to push despite objections from the defense.
Earlier this month, Scherer ruled that Cruz must attend all pre-trial hearings when the death penalty is discussed regarding his case.