The man accused of carrying out the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., last month has received fan mail and money from supporters, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
The Florida newspaper obtained various copies of letters sent to Nikolas Cruz in jail, which reportedly include romantic and religious letters of support.
{mosads}”There’s piles of letters,” said Broward County public defender Howard Finkelstein, whose office is representing Cruz. “In my 40 years as public defender, I’ve never seen this many letters to a defendant. Everyone now and then gets a few, but nothing like this.”
“We read a few religious ones to him that extended wishes for his soul and to come to God,” he continued, “but we have not and will not read him the fan letters or share the photos of scantily-clad teenage girls.”
“Everyday boys and girls are starting to view him in an elevated way, looking up to his fame and notoriety,” he said.
Cruz has also reportedly received $800 in contributions to his commissary account, which can be used to purchase food and personal products behind bars.
Various Facebook accounts supporting Cruz have also been launched during the time he has been in prison.
It is not abnormal for people to send fan mail expressing their support for individuals behind bars.
Notorious murderers such as Charles Manson and Ted Bundy garnered support from outside of prison, including marriage requests.
Cruz has been charged with 17 counts of first-degree murder.
Florida prosecutors announced earlier this month they will seek the death penalty in the case against him.