Ron DeSantis Schedules First Florida Double Execution Since 1964

Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the execution of two death row inmates on July 28, 2026, the first time Florida has scheduled two executions on a single day since 1964. James Duckett, a 68-year-old former police officer convicted of the 1987 rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl, is scheduled for execution at 12 p.m. Dominick Anthony Occhicone Jr., 80, convicted of the 1986 murders of his ex-fiancée's parents, is scheduled for 6 p.m. If carried out, Occhicone will become the oldest person executed in Florida's history.

Duckett's execution was previously delayed by a Florida Supreme Court stay to allow for DNA testing. The court lifted the stay on July 8 after the results returned as inconclusive. These scheduled deaths follow the recent execution of 74-year-old Dennis Sochor, which occurred the same day DeSantis signed Duckett's warrant. Both men are set to be executed via lethal injection at Florida State Prison.

DeSantis stated the move is intended to bring justice to victims' families. However, legal counsel for Duckett and advocacy groups like the Death Penalty Information Center and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty have challenged the move. Critics argue the schedule is politically motivated ahead of the 2028 presidential election and creates undue trauma for prison staff.