What's happened
Samuel Lee Smithers, 72, was executed in Florida for the 1996 murders of two women, marking the state's 14th execution this year, a record. Convicted of strangling and stabbing two prostitutes, Smithers declined a final statement. His execution coincides with other US executions, highlighting Florida's record-breaking year.
What's behind the headline?
The surge in Florida's executions in 2025 reflects a deliberate political and judicial shift towards aggressive use of the death penalty. The state's record of 14 executions this year surpasses previous years, with legal debates focusing on the age of inmates like Smithers. The state's approach underscores a broader national trend of reinstating and expanding capital punishment, often justified by the state as a means of justice and deterrence. However, critics argue that this escalation raises ethical concerns about age and humane treatment, especially as Smithers is among the oldest executed in Florida. The timing suggests political motivations, with DeSantis actively endorsing these measures ahead of upcoming elections. The legal system's stance, denying appeals based on age, signals a firm commitment to the death penalty, despite ongoing debates about its morality and effectiveness. This year's executions will likely influence future policies and public opinion on capital punishment, both within Florida and nationally.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post, The Independent, and AP News all confirm Florida's record-breaking number of executions in 2025, with detailed accounts of Smithers' crimes, legal proceedings, and the state's political context. The NY Post emphasizes the brutality of the murders and Smithers' last meal, while The Independent highlights the political backdrop and the legal arguments about age and cruel punishment. AP News consolidates these points, noting the broader national trend and the role of Governor DeSantis in signing death warrants. The sources collectively portray a state increasingly committed to capital punishment, with legal and ethical debates ongoing. The coverage underscores Florida's unique position as the leading state in executions this year, driven by political will and judicial support, raising questions about the future trajectory of the death penalty in the US.
How we got here
Smithers, a Baptist deacon, murdered Christy Cowan and Denise Roach in 1996 after meeting them at a Tampa motel. He lured them to a property where he killed them with an axe and a hoe, dumping their bodies in ponds. His conviction and death sentence followed a lengthy legal process, with appeals based on his age and claims of cruel punishment. Florida has significantly increased executions in 2025, setting a record for the state, driven by political support for the death penalty under Governor Ron DeSantis.
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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.