News / FJP Releases
FJP Statement on Tomorrow’s Scheduled Execution of Michael Tanzi
April 7, 2025 (Florida) — Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) condemns the upcoming execution of Michael Tanzi in Florida, who is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection tomorrow, Tuesday, April 8th at 6 P.M. EST. Florida’s three-drug lethal injection protocol has drawn sharp criticism for using etomidate—an anesthetic linked to involuntary movements and pain—as its first drug, making it the only state to do so and raising Eighth Amendment concerns about cruel and unusual punishment. Mr. Tanzi’s defense team has argued that Florida’s lethal injection protocols do not take into account Mr. Tanzi’s medical conditions—obesity and chronic sciatica—and will cause ‘serious illness and needless suffering.’
Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig issued the following statement ahead of Florida’s planned execution on Tuesday:
“Barring last-minute intervention, the state of Florida will execute Mr. Tanzi with lethal injection tomorrow. State-sanctioned killing in Florida is not justice—it is cruelty cloaked in the language of ‘justice.’ As the only state using the controversial sedative etomidate, Florida is knowingly inflicting inhumane and unconscionable levels of pain and suffering. In the case of Mr. Tanzi, that cruelty is compounded by a glaring disregard for his documented medical conditions and history of childhood trauma. Despite urgent pleas for mercy from Mr. Tanzi’s defense team and moral leaders such as Catholic Bishop Michael Sheedy, the state continues to press forward with his execution. Florida can and must do better. The execution of Mr. Tanzi is not justice—it is a moral failure and a lasting stain on the state of Florida. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of both Michael Tanzi and his victims, Janet Acosta and Caroline Holder.”
BACKGROUND
On Monday, March 31st, the director of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops appealed to Florida Governor DeSantis to grant a stay of execution to Tanzi and commute his sentence to life in prison. Mr. Tanzi’s defense team and Bishop Sheedy cited a history of childhood physical and sexual abuse.
Florida remains one of the most active death penalty states in the U.S., ranking among the top in death row population and executions, even as the national trend moves toward declining use of capital punishment.