TALLAHASSEE — Florida executed two death-row inmates on July 28, marking the state’s first double execution since 1964. The executions of James Duckett and Dominick Occhicone occurred within hours of each other at the Raiford prison facility in Alachua County. Governor Ron DeSantis stated that carrying out these sentences brings necessary closure to victims’ families who have waited decades for justice.
Details of the Executions
The first execution took place at 1:19 p.m., when James Duckett, a 68-year-old former police officer, was put to death by lethal injection. Duckett had been convicted in 1987 for the murder and rape of 11-year-old Teresa Mae McAbee in Mascotte, Florida. After a temporary reprieve expired due to inconclusive DNA testing, DeSantis signed his execution warrant on July 14.
Approximately five hours later, at 6:13 p.m., the state executed Dominick Occhicone for the 1986 murders of Anita Gerrity’s parents in Holiday. At 80 years old, Occhicone became the oldest inmate ever executed in Florida and the second-oldest in U.S. history.
Political Context and Criticism
The double execution highlights an aggressive push by DeSantis to increase death penalty enforcement. According to a USA TODAY analysis, Florida carried out 31 of the 66 executions nationwide since January 2025, representing 47% of all U.S. deaths this year.
Death penalty opponents have criticized the timing and speed of these actions. Robin Maher of the Death Penalty Information Center described the governor’s approach as a "reckless disregard" for due process, particularly regarding Occhicone’s age and Duckett’s potential innocence claims. Critics argue that executing an elderly prisoner with health issues ignores necessary legal reviews.
Victims' Families Respond
Dorothy Tula, mother of victim Teresa Mae McAbee, expressed relief after witnessing the execution. "I’ve been waiting 40 years to have him dead," she said before breaking down in tears. The Artzner family similarly described Occhicone’s death as the end of a long journey filled with grief and sleepless nights.
DeSantis recently told ProPublica that meeting with victims' families reinforced his determination to enforce old sentences, citing the principle that "justice delayed is justice denied." The governor's office has not responded to requests for comment regarding allegations of political motivation behind the rapid execution schedule ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
