Florida's 'Deacon of Death' Execution Marks Record Year for State

Execution of Samuel Smithers

• 💀 Samuel Smithers, known as the 'Deacon of Death,' is scheduled for execution by lethal injection tonight.
• 🎯 He was convicted for the murders of two women nearly three decades ago in Plant City, Florida.
• 💔 The victims were discovered bludgeoned to death during the prime of their lives.

Record Year for Executions in Florida

• 📈 Smithers' execution will be the 14th in Florida this year, setting a new state record for executions since 1976.
• 📊 This number is on pace to triple the number of executions compared to any other state this year.
• 📅 Governor DeSantis has overseen eight executions last year and is expected to double that amount this year, with another death warrant signed for a 16th execution.
• ⚖️ A jury unanimously recommended the death penalty for Smithers in 1999.