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Florida Executes Edward Zakrzewski in Triple Homicide Case

Florida Prison Execution Scene

News Summary

Edward Zakrzewski was executed in Florida after nearly 30 years of awaiting justice for the murder of his wife and two children. His execution followed a rejected plea to the Supreme Court, and he thanked the state for the process, referencing Robert Frost in his final moments. Zakrzewski’s case is part of a rising trend in capital punishment in Florida, with more executions scheduled in the coming weeks. This event continues to spark debate on the morality and legality of the death penalty in the state.

Florida witnessed a significant event on July 31, 2023, as Edward Zakrzewski was executed at 6:12 p.m. ET, marking the conclusion of a nearly 30-year wait for justice in a triple homicide case. Zakrzewski’s execution followed a rejected last-minute plea to the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the process, leading to his being pronounced dead just one minute later, at 6:13 p.m.

During his final moments, Zakrzewski thanked the state of Florida for what he described as a “humane and efficient” execution procedure. He expressed his thoughts by quoting a line from Robert Frost’s poem, “He Stopped by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” The execution was observed by 13 witnesses, including members of the media, law enforcement, and corrections officials. Following the execution, these witnesses chose not to offer comments. Outside the prison, a small group of protestors gathered, demonstrating the ongoing public debate surrounding capital punishment.

Zakrzewski’s execution set a new record for the number of inmates executed in the modern history of Florida. The state has two more executions lined up for August: Kayle Barrington Bates, scheduled for August 19, and Curtis Windom, set to be executed on August 28. Bates was convicted for the 1982 murder of Janet Renee White, while Windom received a death sentence for the triple murder of three individuals in 1992. Nationwide, at least 11 planned executions are scheduled through the end of 2026.

The execution utilized a three-drug protocol consisting of Etomidate, Rocuronium bromide, and Potassium acetate, in a departure from earlier protocols. Florida eliminated midazolam from its lethal injection regimen in January 2017. Zakrzewski requested a last meal that included fried pork chops, fried onions, potatoes, bacon, toast, root beer, ice cream, pie, and coffee. He had a solitary unidentified visitor before his death and did not meet with a spiritual advisor.

The horrific crime that precipitated Zakrzewski’s death sentence occurred in June 1994 when he murdered his wife, Sylvia, and their two children, Edward, age 7, and Anna, age 5, in their Mary Esther home. Zakrzewski killed them in a fit of rage stemming from his wife’s decision to seek a divorce. Following the murders, he fled to Hawaii, where he lived under an alias for several years before surrendering to authorities.

A jury convicted Zakrzewski and recommended the death penalty with a split vote of 7-5. Florida law only necessitates a simple majority (8-4) for a death sentence, contrasting with many states that require a unanimous decision. His execution is part of a trend reflecting an increase in capital punishment cases under Governor Ron DeSantis, who has advocated for a more aggressive approach to the death penalty.

Historically, Florida’s methods of execution have evolved significantly. Prior to 1923, executions were carried out by hanging. The state transitioned to electrocution and adopted lethal injection in 2000. Recently, legislative changes have expanded execution methods to include nitrogen gas, hangings, and firing squads. Currently, Florida has approximately 269 inmates residing on death row, raising ongoing discussions regarding the legality and morality of the death penalty, especially in light of the divisive jury recommendations seen in cases like Zakrzewski’s.