PARKLAND, Florida – A judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed by families of the victims of the Parkland school massacre against a former sheriff’s deputy can proceed to trial. The lawsuit, brought against fired Broward County Deputy Scot Peterson, alleges that he failed to intervene during the shooting, resulting in the deaths of 17 people. The judge’s ruling allows a jury to determine if Peterson showed a “wanton and willful disregard” for the safety of the students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when he failed to confront the shooter.
Despite his acquittal from criminal charges, the families are seeking unspecified damages from Peterson and the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The judge’s decision to move the case to trial has given hope to the families and survivors, who have expressed their belief that Peterson’s actions were cowardly. Lead lawyer David Brill has stated that the evidence supports the judge’s ruling, emphasizing Peterson’s willful disregard for the lives of those inside the school.
While Peterson’s attorneys have not yet responded to the ruling, they previously argued that their client had no legal duty to confront the shooter during the 2018 massacre. However, the judge asserted that there is a “genuine dispute” over whether Peterson had a “special relationship” with the students and teachers that went beyond the typical duty of law enforcement officers.
This legal battle comes after the families and survivors settled claims with the FBI and the Broward school district for a combined $153 million. While Peterson was acquitted of child neglect in June, security videos played during the trial showed that he did not take action to protect the victims during the shooting.
The families and survivors are determined to seek justice for the lives lost during the tragic Parkland school shooting, and the lawsuit against Deputy Scot Peterson is a significant step in their pursuit of accountability.