Diminished capacity- He was not insane. But due to unfortunate circumstances he did suffer emotional distress. He seems to be permanently emotionally disturbed.
However, the prosecution will argue that he had made these plans and threats prior to his mother’s death and that they were ongoing. They would also argue that he was completely responsible for his actions as Cruz was fully aware of the consequences.
...”due to unfortunate circumstances he did suffer emotional distress”....
And he had people step up to the plate to help him in those losses too...yet still he planned, over a long period of time, a school shooting and carried it out.
There are plenty of people who suffer emotional distresses, often in multiples, but don’t lay out plans to kill people even if they might be angry or full of emotions. He had options which he refused.
He will be made out to be the victim; it was the gun’s fault.
The guy pled guilty.
Why would there be a trial?