Crime

Judge in Parkland school murder case resigns. Her oversight had drawn criticism

Judge Elizabeth Scherer speaks in court last year during the penalty phase of the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.
Judge Elizabeth Scherer speaks in court last year during the penalty phase of the trial of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. South Florida Sun Sentinel

Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, whose handling of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas mass shooting trial drew praise from colleagues and the victims’ families as well as unsparing scrutiny from defense lawyers and legal observers, is resigning from the bench.

Scherer, 46, submitted her letter of resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, offering no explanation about why she’s stepping down or what she plans to do next. Her resignation takes effect June 30.

The resignation was widely expected, with the judge making multiple veiled comments from the bench hinting that she won’t be around much longer. She was re-elected without opposition in 2020 to a six-year term. The governor will select her replacement..

“Judge Scherer approached me last year to advise she would soon be leaving the bench,” said Broward Chief Administrative Judge Jack Tuter. “During her service, Judge Scherer handled one of the most challenging cases in Broward County’s history. She did so in a professional and dignified manner. On behalf of the 17th Circuit, we wish Judge Scherer good health and prosperity in her future endeavors.”

Read more at the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

This story was originally published May 10, 2023 at 2:49 PM.

Curtis Morgan
Miami Herald
Curtis Morgan is a former journalist for the Miami Herald
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER