Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued statements following the simultaneous execution of two inmates in the state, an event that has not occurred since 1964. During an appearance at the summer conference of the Florida Sheriffs Association at Trump National Doral near Miami, DeSantis stated he does not feel "joy" witnessing these actions, calling them a "heavy thing" and a difficult duty. This statement comes as the state moves forward with its agenda to accelerate criminal justice processes after years of delays.
Details of the Historic Day
The execution took place on July 28, marking a significant moment in Florida's judicial history. James Duckett, 68 and an ex-police officer convicted of murdering an 11-year-old girl in 1987, was executed by lethal injection at 1:19 p.m. ET. Approximately five hours later, the state proceeded with the execution of Dominick Occhicone, who died at 6:13 p.m. ET for the murder of his ex-girlfriend's parents in 1986.
At 80 years old, Occhicone became the second-oldest inmate executed in U.S. history and the oldest ever executed in Florida. This fact highlights that Florida is currently the state carrying out the highest number of executions of elderly prisoners nationwide.
Political and Judicial Context
DeSantis attributed the recent pause in capital punishment to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that "all normal operations were disrupted" and that the state lost its usual schedule. However, he emphasized frustration with the long periods condemned inmates spend on death row. "You shouldn't be (on death row) for 20 years," declared the governor, more context in Florida Executes Two Inmates in First Double Execution Since 1964.
According to a USA TODAY analysis, Florida has executed 31 of the 66 dead inmates in the United States since January 2025, representing 47% of the national total. Since the beginning of this year, that figure rises to 63%. DeSantis, who is term-limited for a second consecutive term, stated that once legal processes and appeals are completed, there is a state responsibility to "get moving".
Impact on Families
Regarding the emotional impact of these actions, DeSantis addressed the families of victims who had been waiting for justice for a long time. Although he doubted whether the word "closure" was appropriate because pain can persist, he stated that knowing justice has been served is something very important for many people present in this complex legal context.
