STARK, Fla. (AP) – Florida carried out two executions on Tuesday, marking the first time since 2017 that a state has executed two inmates on one day. This event occurs amid Governor Ron DeSantis’ increased execution schedule. The state executed James Aren Duckett, a former police officer, and planned to execute Dominick Anthony Occhicone later that day.
Duckett’s Execution
James Aren Duckett, 68, was executed at Florida State Prison near Starke. Duckett, an ex-police officer from central Florida, was convicted of raping and drowning an 11-year-old girl in 1987. He was declared dead at 1:19 p.m. after a three-drug injection. When asked for a final statement, Duckett declined, simply responding, “no sir.” The prison’s warden checked for a response approximately four minutes following the injection but received none.
Occhicone Scheduled for Execution
Later on Tuesday, 80-year-old Dominick Anthony Occhicone was set to die for the murder of his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 1986. Occhicone would become the oldest prisoner executed in Florida’s recent history.
Appeals and Legal Challenges
Both Duckett and Occhicone made last-ditch appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, which were denied. Duckett’s legal team claimed his innocence and raised concerns about the integrity of DNA evidence. Occhicone’s lawyers argued that his health conditions might cause undue pain during execution, constituting cruel and unusual punishment.
Governance and Execution Trends
DeSantis, who leaves office in January, has overseen a record number of executions. Florida has conducted nearly half of all U.S. executions since early 2025. If Occhicone’s execution proceeds, it will add to the state’s total of 31 executions during DeSantis’ last two years in office. Another execution is planned for August, which might set new records.
While simultaneous executions in different states are common, a single state performing two in one day is rare. Florida’s last instance was in the 1960s, with Arkansas achieving the same in 2017.
Criticism and Protests
Opposition groups, like Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, urged Governor DeSantis to halt the executions. Grace Hanna, the group’s executive director, noted the increase in executions and questioned public support for the death penalty in Florida.
DeSantis’ Stated Position
Governor DeSantis has emphasized seeking justice for victims’ families who have waited decades. He has stated, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” He expressed willingness to halt executions if evidence of innocence were evident.
Historical Context and Legal Developments
The governor signed Duckett’s death warrant in February, initially planning his execution for March 31. The Florida Supreme Court intervened to allow DNA testing of evidence, which concluded as inconclusive. Consequently, the stay was lifted, leading to a new death warrant signed by DeSantis, scheduling Duckett’s execution alongside Occhicone’s.
Occhicone’s execution marks a significant event in modern U.S. history, aligning with Florida’s historical precedent of conducting multiple executions in a day, a practice more prevalent in the past.