The court was surprised when a potential juror for the sentencing of Parkland, Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz informed the judge she wouldn’t be able to serve because she is married and has a “sugar daddy” she needs to visit every day.
Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty to 17 charges of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in connection with the school shooting in October 2021.
The death sentence trial, however, was postponed after prosecutors stated that they needed more time to examine mental health specialists who were expected to testify on behalf of the High School killer.
The three-step jury selection procedure, which began on Monday, April 4, is expected to take two months, followed by a four-month trial to determine whether Cruz will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release or to death.
Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer inquired throughout the jury selection process whether she had missed anyone with questions or concerns.
“Did you have a question?” says the narrator. She inquired of a potential juror known as “Miss Bristol.”
“This is a month’s worth of work. First and foremost, let me clarify: July 2nd is my birthday, July 4th is my son’s birthday, and July 18th is my other son’s birthday “Miss Bristol clarifies.
Judge Scherer inquires: “Please don’t speak too quickly; we need to be able to understand… So you’re saying there are some dates in July when you’re not available? What are the times and dates?”
“7th, 4th, and 18th of July… Bristol says, “And again, I need to figure something out,” before revealing that she has a “sugar daddy who I see every day.””
“Excuse me?” Scherer, perplexed, inquires. Bristol repeats, “My sugar daddy.”
“OK, I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” the judge says, interjecting. Bristol went on to say: “I’m happily married and have a sugar daddy. Every day, I see him.” Judge Scherer, still perplexed, assured Miss Bristol that she would return to her, and she was eventually dismissed from the case.
People on Twitter were quick to make fun of the woman’s sugar daddy situation.
“I mean, who hasn’t attempted the sugar daddy excuse to avoid jury duty at least once?” commented one.
Another person wrote: “My coworker was just called. I’m going to tell her she can use this as an explanation.”