Florida Executes Inmate Who Killed Cellmate Because He Wanted Death Penalty
A Florida inmate who strangled his cellmate in the hopes of receiving the death penalty rather than spend his remaining years in prison was executed on Tuesday.
James Robertson, 63, was executed by lethal injection in Florida after pleading guilty to murdering his cellmate in 2008, stating his desire for the death penalty. The execution proceeded smoothly, highlighting Florida’s lethal injection protocol, in contrast to a recent botched execution in Tennessee. Governor Ron DeSantis also withdrew a death warrant for another inmate, William Lee Thompson, pending evaluation of his mental competency.
- James Robertson, 63, was executed by lethal injection in Florida on Tuesday.
- Robertson had pleaded guilty to strangling his cellmate in 2008, expressing a desire to receive the death penalty.
- The execution was noted as a contrast to a recent botched execution in Tennessee.
- Florida Department of Corrections stated Florida has a sound lethal injection process.
- Governor Ron DeSantis withdrew a death warrant for William Lee Thompson, citing concerns about his mental competency and deteriorating health.
- Thompson will remain on death row, and his execution was previously stayed due to dementia and failing health.
- Florida has increased its pace of executions under Governor DeSantis, carrying out a significant portion of the nation’s total.
- Two other executions are scheduled for October and November 2026.
Write a comment