Florida Executes 14th Death-Row Inmate This Year
- Samuel Smithers, 72, was executed Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison in Raiford, marking the state's 14th execution of the year - a new record.
- Samuel Smithers was put to death by lethal injection at 6:15 p.m.
- Smithers was convicted of the 1996 murders of two women in Escambia County, Florida.
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Florida Executes Samuel Smithers, Setting Record for Most Executions in a Year
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Samuel Smithers, 72, was executed Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison in Raiford, marking the state’s 14th execution of the year – a new record.
What Happened: The Execution of Samuel Smithers
Samuel Smithers was put to death by lethal injection at 6:15 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Florida State Prison in Raiford.The Florida Department of Corrections confirmed the execution in a statement.
Smithers was convicted of the 1996 murders of two women in Escambia County, Florida. He was found guilty of raping and murdering Helen Rose and Mary Lou Criswell.
Record-Breaking Pace of Executions in Florida
This execution marks a significant moment in Florida’s history with capital punishment. Smithers is the 14th inmate executed in Florida this year, surpassing the previous record of eight executions set in 2014.Florida broke its previous record in August and has two more executions scheduled before the end of the year.
Moreover, Smithers is the oldest person to be executed by the state of Florida as the resumption of executions in 1976.
| Year | Number of Executions |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2024 (to date) | 14 |
Legal Challenges and Appeals
Smithers’ defense team argued that his execution would constitute cruel and unusual punishment due to his advanced age.They contended that executing an elderly inmate is disproportionate and violates constitutional protections. However, the Supreme court of Florida rejected this argument, stating that no court has established a categorical exemption for the elderly from execution.
The U.S. Supreme Court also denied Smithers’ final appeal just hours before his scheduled execution.
Context and Controversy
Florida’s recent surge in executions has reignited debate surrounding the death penalty. Proponents argue it provides justice for victims and deters violent crime. opponents cite concerns about wrongful convictions, the cost of capital punishment, and its moral implications.