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Innocent Man Executed? DNA Tests Denied
28 Jul
Summary
- James Duckett executed despite claims of innocence.
- Last-minute DNA testing appeals were denied.
- Florida conducted a rare double execution Tuesday.
James Duckett, 68, was executed Tuesday afternoon at Florida State Prison in Raiford, following his conviction for the 1987 rape and drowning of 11-year-old Teresa McAbee. His execution was delayed by over an hour as his legal team pursued last-minute appeals.
These appeals, which sought DNA testing on clothing and forensic evidence from the victim, were ultimately denied by Justice Clarence Thomas of the U.S. Supreme Court. Federal and state courts had previously rejected similar requests.
Duckett maintained his innocence throughout his decades-long legal battle. His attorneys argued that new DNA testing could prove his innocence. However, state prosecutors contended that all evidence had been thoroughly examined over numerous appeals.
Duckett's execution was the first of two scheduled for that day in Florida. The second execution was for Dominick Occhicone, 80, convicted of a 1986 double murder, which would have been the first time since 1964 that Florida executed two inmates on the same day.
