‘He Was Nothing But Respectful,’ Says Man Who Took Accused Florida School Shooter Nikolas Cruz Into His Home

On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, authorities say a lone gunman killed 17 students and adults at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Fifteen others were wounded.

TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Have a story in the news?

Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High stands accused in what has been called the third worst school shooting in modern American history. Cruz was arrested shortly after the incident, and has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder, but has not yet entered a plea.

At the time of the shooting, Cruz, whose mother died of pneumonia in November 2017, was living with James and Kimberly Snead, and their son, JT, who says he met Nick through JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps). “He was nothing but respectful. A good kid,” says James Snead of Cruz. “And when it came down to my son asking us if he could move in, we sat down with him – I sat down with him prior to him moving in, and let him know there would be rules and stipulations if he moved in.”

James says he required Cruz, who he claims owned five or six guns, to purchase a gun safe and give him the key, before permitting him to move in with the family.

The Sneads say they were the second family to take in Cruz following his mother’s death.

What do they say they knew about him before inviting him to stay with them?

Tune in to this Dr. Phil daytime exclusive airing Wednesday. Check here to find out where you can watch.


TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Are you involved in a story that has made the headlines?