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Judge orders much of Parkland school shooting suspect's statement released

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A judge has ordered the release of much of the statement given by Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz to investigators after the Parkland massacre that killed 17 people.

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Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer said in a ruling Thursday that much of the "non-confession" portions of the statement should be released in 10 days, barring any appeal by the defendant.

Media outlets including The Associated Press sought release of the statement. Scherer rejected the defense attorneys' argument that the release of the statement would threaten justice in the case.

Attorneys for the 19-year-old Cruz wanted the entire statement suppressed, contending it would improperly influence jurors in his trial.