Florida executes two men in first double execution in modern death penalty history

Published Jul 29, 02:05 PM UTC

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Florida carried out the executions of two men on Tuesday, marking the first double execution in the state in over six decades and a historic event in modern U.S. death penalty history. One of the executed men was James Duckett, a former Lake police officer, who was put to death for the rape and drowning of an 11-year-old girl. The execution was delayed by more than an hour as the U.S. Supreme Court considered a last-minute appeal. The event has drawn significant media attention, with multiple news outlets covering the legal proceedings and the broader implications for capital punishment in Florida.

Source report

August 8, 2024 — Florida carried out the execution of two men on Tuesday, marking the state's first double execution in more than 60 years and a historic first in the modern era of the death penalty.

Executions Conducted

The Florida Department of Corrections confirmed that both executions were carried out as scheduled at Florida State Prison in Starke.

James Duckett

James Duckett, a former Lake County police officer, was executed for the 1989 rape and murder of 11-year-old Elisa Vera Nelson. Duckett's execution was delayed by more than an hour as the U.S. Supreme Court considered a last-minute appeal before ultimately allowing the execution to proceed.

Second Individual Executed

A second individual was also put to death on the same day, marking the first time Florida has executed two inmates on the same day since 1946.

Historical Context

This is the first double execution in Florida in more than six decades.
It represents a first in the modern death penalty history of the United States.
The last time Florida executed two people on the same day was in 1946.

Sources

Tampa Bay Times
USA Today
Spectrum News 13
Orlando Sentinel
Daytona Beach News-Journal

Source

Part of this Story

Florida Executes Two Men in First Double Execution in Modern Death Penalty History

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People and interests

Florida U.S. Supreme Court