<P> During the week of April 8--12, 2018, Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer included a three - page letter from a Minnesotan into the court record of the case . The letter was addressed to the judge and claimed that research into Cruz's past led the writer to believe that Cruz suffered from a developmental disability and that he was "...fearful of other people and was threatened by bullies ." The letter ended by claiming that Cruz appeared to be consumed by sadness and depression . This is part of a string of letters that have been sent to the judge, asking for her to show mercy or for God to forgive his actions against his victims . </P> <P> The same week, a hearing was held to determine if taxpayers will pay for Cruz's defense . Information was revealed that Cruz's inheritance from his late mother's estate could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars . His attorney, court - appointed public defender Howard Finkelstein, pleaded with the court to wait until the probate case involving Cruz's late mother's estate was concluded and his net worth could be determined . There are also lawsuits and claims against his mother's estate . These liens can complicate the proceedings, although Cruz has reportedly stated he wants the leftover money from his defense to be donated to a cause that promotes healing and education in the community . </P> <P> The school district provided grief counseling to students and their families . Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the fees of funerals and counseling would be paid for by the state . </P> <P> On February 15, police presence was increased at schools in at least two counties in Florida in response to the shooting . The building where the shooting took place will be demolished . </P>

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