Nikolas Cruz, who killed 17 people on February 14, 2018, formally received a sentence of life without parole on Wednesday, November 2, after families of his 17 slain victims spent two days berating him.

Judge Elizabeth Scherer sentenced him to 17 life terms for the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in suburban Fort Lauderdale.

Additionally, Scherer imposed a sentence of life in prison with a minimum of 20 years to serve on 14 of the 17 counts of attempted murder, and life without the possibility of parole for the remaining three counts of attempted murder. All counts are to run consecutively, the judge ruled.

The jury in Cruzs three-month penalty trial voted 9-3 on October 13 to sentence him to death, but Florida law requires unanimity for that sentence to be imposed.

Cruz acknowledged under questioning by the judge before sentencing that he is on medication but could understand what was occurring.