Florida Executes Inmate Who Killed Cellmate Because He Wanted Death Penalty
A Florida inmate who strangled his cellmate in the hopes of receiving the death penalty rather than spend his remaining years in prison was executed on Tuesday.
TL;DR
- James Robertson, 63, was executed by lethal injection in Florida on Tuesday.
- Robertson had pleaded guilty to strangling his cellmate in 2008, expressing a desire to receive the death penalty.
- The execution was noted as a contrast to a recent botched execution in Tennessee.
- Florida Department of Corrections stated Florida has a sound lethal injection process.
- Governor Ron DeSantis withdrew a death warrant for William Lee Thompson, citing concerns about his mental competency and deteriorating health.
- Thompson will remain on death row, and his execution was previously stayed due to dementia and failing health.
- Florida has increased its pace of executions under Governor DeSantis, carrying out a significant portion of the nation's total.
- Two other executions are scheduled for October and November 2026.