Florida Executes Man Who Killed Cellmate for Death Sentence
Florida executes James Robertson, 63, for killing his cellmate in 2008. Gov. DeSantis withdraws another death warrant.
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Florida is set to execute James Robertson, a 63-year-old prisoner, on Tuesday for the 2008 murder of his cellmate, Frank Hart. Robertson, who strangled Hart to death, will receive a three-drug lethal injection at the Florida State Prison near Starke at noon, according to the Associated Press (AP). This marks the 17th execution in Florida this year, following the 16th in September.
Death Sentence Chosen Over Life Imprisonment
Robertson, who was 17 when he first entered prison in 1980 for burglary and assault, had a long history of prison convictions for escape, battery, and weapons. His sentence was extended over the years, and he eventually chose the death penalty over a life sentence. According to court records, Robertson killed Hart while he was sleeping at the Charlotte Correctional Institution, using a method involving tied socks.
Robertson later explained that he killed Hart specifically to receive the death penalty rather than spending the rest of his life in prison. He confirmed his wish to be executed during a Zoom case management conference on October 1, stating, “I chose the death penalty over the life sentence, and I just want the sentence to be carried out.”
Gov. DeSantis Withdraws Death Warrant for Another Inmate
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis withdrew the death warrant for William Lee Thompson last week, though he did not provide a reason for the decision. Thompson had been temporarily stayed from execution last month due to a pending psychiatric evaluation. This marks the first time DeSantis has withdrawn a death warrant, which does not change Thompson’s sentence. He remains on death row, and a new warrant could be issued in the future.
DeSantis has previously spoken about the death penalty, stating in 2025 that he wants to bring closure to the families of murder victims. “There are so — some crimes that are just so horrific, the only appropriate punishment is the death penalty,” he said.
Robertson wrote a letter in 2023 to then-Attorney General Ashley Moody, asking why the execution process was taking so long. His case, like many others, highlights the complex and often controversial nature of capital punishment in the United States.
Source: Breitbart
