Supreme Court Allows Florida's First Double Execution in 62 Years
The Supreme Court permitted Florida to execute two inmates by lethal injection on July 28, 2026.
Why it matters: This rare double execution highlights growing ethical, legal, and procedural debates around capital punishment, especially amid Florida's aggressive execution schedule under Governor Ron DeSantis. It challenges criminal justice professionals and litigators to reassess clemency and due process concerns.
- Florida executed two inmates—James Duckett and Dominick Occhicone—on July 28, 2026, the first double execution since 1964.
- Duckett, 68, was convicted of raping and murdering a child in 1987; Occhicone, 80, was convicted for murders in 1986, becoming the second-oldest executed in modern U.S. history.
- The Florida Supreme Court denied last-minute appeals to halt the executions, allowing the lethal injections to proceed as scheduled.
- Since 2025, Governor DeSantis has overseen 30 of the nation’s 65 executions, making Florida the leading state in executions.
On July 28, 2026, Florida carried out two executions by lethal injection, marking a historic double execution—the first since 1964. The Florida Supreme Court denied last-minute appeals from both inmates, allowing the executions to proceed as scheduled.
The first inmate executed was James Aren Duckett, a 68-year-old former police officer sentenced for the 1987 rape and murder of 11-year-old Teresa McAbee. The second was Dominick Anthony Occhicone, aged 80, convicted for the 1986 murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents. Occhicone’s execution made him the second-oldest person executed in modern U.S. history.
Governor Ron DeSantis has aggressively pursued capital punishment, overseeing 30 executions since early 2025, accounting for nearly half of all U.S. executions during this period. Florida ranks as the nation’s top state for executions.
Reactions have been mixed. Family members of victims, such as Dorthy Tula, mother of Teresa McAbee, expressed relief after decades-long waits. However, advocacy groups raised ethical concerns. Grace Hanna of Floridians for Alternatives noted that the state continues the use of capital punishment despite evidence it may not reflect public will. Matt Wells, Deputy Director of Reprieve US, warned that the rushed schedule increases the risk of torturous deaths.
This double execution revives debates on legal process fairness, clemency, and humane practices as Florida sets new precedents within the U.S. criminal justice system.
By the numbers:
- 2 executions on July 28, 2026 — first double execution in Florida since 1964
- 30 executions overseen by Governor DeSantis since 2025 — nearly half of all U.S. executions
- 80 years old — Occhicone’s age making him the second-oldest person executed in modern U.S. history
Yes, but: While advocates warn that Florida's acceleration of executions risks legal errors and inhumane treatment, supporters argue these actions provide long-delayed justice for victims' families.
What's next: Legal observers expect renewed challenges to Florida's execution pace and possible legislative scrutiny, as capital punishment remains a divisive issue nationwide.