Florida is poised to surpass a modern-era record on Thursday with its ninth execution this year, the most since the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment nearly 50 years ago. The execution of Edward J. Zakrzewski II, who pleaded guilty in 1996 to murdering his wife and two young children, will mark the latest under Ron DeSantis, who holds sole discretion over executions.
Despite growing concerns from more than 100 faith leaders and criminal justice advocates, DeSantis has remained silent. Axios reports that multiple inquiries to the governor’s office went unanswered. Critics say the lack of transparency around life-and-death decisions is alarming.
“You have a singular elected official who has the power to decide who lives and who dies,” said Maria DeLiberato of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. “And he is not explaining his reasoning.”
Among those executed was Michael Bell, a victim of abuse at the state-run Dozier School, one of many boys later sent to death row. Researchers and neuropsychiatrists say early abuse like Bell’s has neurological impacts that can affect impulse control.
Florida recently compensated Dozier abuse victims, yet weeks later executed Bell. Meanwhile, DeSantis has signed a 10th death warrant, with another execution scheduled for August 19.
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