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Florida carried out two executions within a single day on Tuesday, a rare event in the modern era of the US death penalty. The state put to death James Duckett, 68, a former police officer convicted of the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl, and Dominick Occhicone, 80, who was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend's parents in 1986.
The double execution — the first in Florida since 1964, according to a review by the Associated Press — underscores how the state, under Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, has become the nation's busiest death penalty state. Florida has now carried out more executions this year than all other states combined, according to reports.
Coverage Comparison
Multiple reports from The Guardian describe the events of Tuesday, though they emphasize different aspects. One article focuses on the double execution itself, noting that it is the first time since 1976 that Florida has scheduled two executions in a single day. Another report highlights the execution of Dennis Sochor, 74, a separate case that occurred last month, and points to the aging death row population.
A recurring theme in the coverage is the accelerated pace of executions under Governor DeSantis. Reports note that he has set execution dates roughly every two weeks, a pace described as "extraordinary" and without public explanation. The Guardian's coverage also quotes experts who criticize the decision to conduct two executions in one day, citing concerns about the risks of haste.
Some articles use language that conveys a critical tone, describing Florida's execution schedule as "blood lust" and "execution bonanza," while others adopt a more neutral reporting style.
Key Claims
- Florida carried out two executions on the same day for the first time since 2017, when Arkansas had back-to-back executions. Florida's own last double execution day was 1964, according to an Associated Press review.
- James Duckett, 68, was executed by lethal injection at Florida state prison near Starke. He was convicted of raping and drowning 11-year-old Teresa McAbee in 1987 while serving as a police officer.
- Dominick Anthony Occhicone, 80, was executed hours later, becoming the oldest prisoner executed in Florida's modern history. He was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend's parents in 1986.
- Dennis Sochor, 74, was executed by lethal injection at Florida state prison, convicted of killing Patricia Gifford on 1 January 1982. He apologized to the victim's family before his death.
- Florida has carried out 10 of the 16 executions conducted in the US so far this year, more than every other state combined.
- Since 2025 began, Florida has carried out nearly half of all state executions in the country.
- Experts, including Robin Maher of the Death Penalty Information Center, say that carrying out multiple executions in a day carries considerable risks and criticized the lack of transparency in Florida's execution decisions.
- The human rights group Reprieve has examined botched executions since 1976 and found that haste was a factor in several cases.
- Reports suggest Florida has been violating its own execution protocols on a regular basis.
Perspectives
State officials / Governor's office: Governor Ron DeSantis has defended the accelerated execution schedule, saying too many families have waited too long to see justice.
Families of victims: Relatives of victims expressed relief after the executions. Teresa McAbee's mother said she had waited nearly 40 years for Duckett's death, while Patricia Gifford's sister said the execution brings some closure, though bittersweet because her sister's body has never been found.
Death penalty opponents and experts: Critics, including Robin Maher of the Death Penalty Information Center, question the wisdom and transparency of conducting two executions in one day, noting the risks of haste and a pattern of protocol violations.