In Florida, Samuel Lee Smithers was executed on Tuesday, making this the state's 14th execution this year—a new record. Smithers, 72, was sentenced to death for the 1996 murders of Christy Cowan and Denise Roach. His execution was carried out via lethal injection at the Florida State Prison in Starke. Smithers had been convicted in 1999 and denied any final remarks just before the procedure began. His death comes as Florida continues a wave of executions, planning two more before the month’s end under Governor Ron DeSantis. Since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in the U.S., Florida has seen more executions than any other state in 2023, far surpassing Texas, which trails behind with five.
Florida Executes 14th Inmate, Setting New Record
Florida Executes 14th Inmate, Setting New Record
Samuel Lee Smithers, 72, was put to death in Florida after being convicted of two murders in 1996. This marks the state's 14th execution of the year, extending its record-breaking total.
Samuel Lee Smithers was executed by lethal injection in Florida on Tuesday, marking the state's record 14th execution this year. Convicted for the 1996 murders of two women, Smithers made no final statement before his death. This execution is part of a trend in Florida, which has now executed more inmates than any other state this year. The state's plans include two additional executions scheduled for later this month.
