The Justice Department will not seek death penalty against Alaska man, 28-year-old Esteban Santiago, accused of killing 5, wounding 6 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
In exchange, Santiago is pleading guilty and has agreed to spend the rest of his life in federal prison.
But first, Santiago will undergo a mental health evaluation ordered by the judge, who wants to make sure he is legally competent to plead guilty.
In January 2017, Santiago allegedly began the mass shooting after retrieving a handgun from checked baggage and loading it in a bathroom at FLL.
He previously pleaded not guilty to a 22-count indictment.
Santiago is being held in the Federal Detention Center in downtown Miami and has been prescribed medication for treatment of schizophrenia.
Death Penalty Decision Expected In FLL Shooter Case
By Jessi Minneci