What's happened
Ronald Heath, 64, was executed in Florida for the 1989 murder of Michael Sheridan. Convicted of first-degree murder and robbery, Heath was put to death despite claims that his brother Kenneth, the trigger man, received a lighter sentence. The execution follows Florida's record 19 executions in 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Critical Analysis
The case highlights ongoing debates over the fairness of the death penalty, especially when the convicted individual claims to have been less culpable than the actual trigger person. Florida's record-breaking number of executions in 2025 underscores a broader trend of increasing use of capital punishment in the state, driven by political and judicial factors. The controversy surrounding Heath's execution, with claims that he was the 'driving force' but received a harsher sentence than his brother, exemplifies the complex moral and legal questions about accountability and justice in capital cases. This story foreshadows potential legal challenges and public scrutiny over Florida's execution policies, which are becoming more aggressive amid a national debate about the morality and efficacy of the death penalty. The case also raises questions about the influence of plea deals and the role of confessions in capital cases, suggesting that the justice system may not always deliver equitable outcomes.
What the papers say
Sky News reports that Heath was executed after being convicted of orchestrating the murder, with claims from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty criticizing the justice process. The Independent and AP News provide detailed accounts of the crime, sentencing, and the broader context of Florida's record number of executions in 2025. All sources highlight the controversy over Heath's guilt and the fairness of his sentence, emphasizing the political and judicial climate that has led to increased executions in Florida.
How we got here
Heath and his brother Kenneth met Sheridan at a Gainesville bar in 1989. They plotted to rob him, leading to Kenneth shooting Sheridan in the chest. Heath then kicked and stabbed Sheridan, who was later shot twice in the head by Kenneth. The brothers dumped Sheridan's body and used his credit cards afterward. Heath was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, while Kenneth received a life sentence after a plea deal. The case has drawn criticism from anti-death penalty groups, citing concerns over justice and fairness.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Ronald "Ron" Dion DeSantis is an American attorney, naval officer, and Republican politician. He has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019, and he represented Florida's 6th congressional district in Congress from 2013 to 2018.