STARKE, Fla. — The state of Florida has set a concerning new standard with the execution of Samuel Lee Smithers, marking the 14th execution in 2023, the most in a single year since the restoration of capital punishment in the U.S. in 1976.
Aged 72, Smithers was pronounced dead following a lethal injection on Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison. Convicted for the 1996 murder of two women found in a pond, Smithers had maintained his innocence throughout the years, but failed to secure any last-minute appeals.
The execution occurred amid increasing scrutiny on Florida's use of capital punishment, particularly concerning the treatment of elderly inmates. Critics argue that executing older individuals raises ethical questions and may violate the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Despite legal challenges, the Florida Supreme Court denied an appeal from Smithers, emphasizing that age does not automatically exempt someone from the death penalty.
With plans for two more scheduled executions this month, Florida continues to lead the nation in executions, significantly outpacing other states. Legal experts call the current pace alarming, suggesting a potential need for reevaluation of the death penalty.
Florida's execution procedures involve a sedative followed by a paralytic, concluding with a heart-stopping agent, drawing criticism from advocates who argue for more humane alternatives.
The legality and morality of such actions amid societal shifts toward more progressive justice systems are now at the forefront of national conversations. As Smithers’ execution highlights, the discussion surrounding capital punishment in the U.S. is far from over, and many are urging a reassessment of these long-held practices.
