Execution Nears for Man Convicted of Killing Miami Herald Employee Janet Acosta

The Crime and Investigation

• 📅 In April 2000, Janet Acosta, a Miami Herald employee, was kidnapped and murdered during her lunch break in Miami.
• 🚗 The perpetrator, Michael Tanzi, forced his way into her van, assaulted her, and drove her south to the Florida Keys.
• 💰 Tanzi used Acosta's bank card to withdraw money and ultimately strangled her to death.
• 📍 Acosta's van was later found on Duval Street in Key West, leading law enforcement to Tanzi, who confessed.

Conviction and Sentencing

• ⚖️ Michael Tanzi was convicted of kidnapping and murder for his role in Janet Acosta's death.
• 🔪 He was sentenced to death for the crime.

Upcoming Execution

• 🗓️ Tanzi is scheduled to be executed next Tuesday, nearly 25 years after the murder.
• 🏥 His lawyers had argued for a halt to the execution due to his obesity, but this was reportedly unsuccessful.
• 📺 Local 10 News will provide live coverage of the execution from outside Florida State Prison.