NATION : Death Ordered in 6 Fla. Slayings
- Share via
MELBOURNE, Fla. — A former librarian convicted of killing six people in 1987 at two shopping centers because he thought his neighbors were spreading rumors that he was homosexual was sentenced to death today.
Circuit Judge John Antoon sentenced William Cruse, 61, to two death sentences and four consecutive life sentences for the April, 1987, shooting spree in Palm Bay that also left 10 people wounded. Two of the people killed by Cruse were police officers.
Witnesses testified Cruse suffered from mental illness but was legally sane at the time of the massacre.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
