Who is Judge Elizabeth Scherer? Jurist's expression goes viral after woman explains why she can't be on Nikolas Cruz jury

‘Miss Bristol’, the prospective juror for the sentencing of Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz, explained why she doesn’t have time to perform her civic duty
UPDATED APR 7, 2022
Judge Elizabeth Scherer
Judge Elizabeth Scherer

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA: In a bizarre incident, a woman, who was considered to be a part of the jury team in the sentencing of Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz, asked Judge Elizabeth Scherer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to remove her from the prospective panel earlier this week. The woman, known only as "Miss Bristol", apparently claimed that she won’t be able to perform her civic duty because she's married as well as has "a sugar daddy."

It has been said that the fate of Cruz, who pleaded guilty in November to the premeditated murder of 17 people and 17 counts of attempted murder at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day in 2018, is in the hands of the selected jurors, who will decide whether he should get a death sentence or life behind bars. The jurors, however, have to take their decision unanimously for him to receive the death penalty. If any one of them opposes, the accused will get life in prison without parole.

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Nikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer on February 19, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Mike Stocker-Pool/Getty Images)


Who is Judge Elizabeth Scherer? 

Scherer is a judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court in Florida, who is supervising the Parkland school shooting case. While selecting jurors for the case on Monday, April 4, she reportedly asked attendees if they had no any questions or concerns. She asked, “Did you have a question?” while looking toward one of the prospective jurors, eventually identified as 'Miss Bristol'.

Judge Elizabeth Scherer presides over the arraignment of Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse on March 14, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Amy Beth Bennett-Pool/Getty Images)

‘Miss Bristol' replied, “This is a whole entire month. First of all, let me clarify myself, July second is my birthday, July Fourth is my son, and the 18th is my other son.” However, Scherer urges her to speak slowly so that she can understand her concern. “Don't talk too fast, we have to be able to understand...so you said that the July, there's dates in July that you're not available? What are those dates?” the judge asked, to which the woman answered, “July seventh, July fourth, and July 18th....And again, I need to figure out something. I have my sugar daddy that I see every day.”

Scherer then remarked, “I'm sorry?” after which ‘Miss Bristol’ replied, “My sugar daddy.” And when the judge said, “OK, I'm not exactly sure what you're talking about but we'll–” The woman cut her and added, “I'm married, and I have my sugar daddy. I see him every day.” To which, Scherer without showing any expression concluded, “OK. All right. Ma'am, we'll come back to you, OK? Thank you.”

Nikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer on February 19, 2018, in Ft Lauderdale, Florida (Mike Stocker-Pool/Getty Images)

However, it has been reported that ‘Miss Bristol’ was not the only one who was released on Monday. Many were also dismissed after they cited work commitments or pre-booked travel, or health issues. Judge Scherer reportedly said that the jury selection process would probably be done by May 31.

Meanwhile, a lot of people have reacted online to ‘Miss Bristol's priorities, with one tweeting, “Imma remember this next time I get a jury summons…” A second one tweeted, “To be fair, the Sugar Daddy is probably a substantial income source that she can’t afford to give up. She probably doesn’t get paid leave/jury pay from the Sugar Daddy.  🤷🏼‍♀️. 🙄🙄. I guess her husband will read about in the paper today.” “Her husband probably arranged it,” a third one mentioned.

Judge Elizabeth Scherer speaks to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz, and defense attorneys David Wheeler during Cruz's guilty plea at the Broward County Courthouse on October 20, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Amy Beth Bennett-Pool/Getty Images)


 



 



 



 



 

A person wrote, “This could be a first in juror excuses. 🤦🏻‍♀️ #sugardaddy.” Another one noted, “THIS TAKES THE CAKE! I CAN'T SERVE AS A JUROR BECAUSE SHE IS MARRIED AND HAS A SUGAR DADDY TOO!”

RELATED TOPICS FLORIDA NEWS NIKOLAS CRUZ

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