I like to think of myself as a rational person, but there’s one “woo-woo” belief I’ll defend until my dying day: the weather at Florida State Prison responds to executions. I’ve seen beautiful sunsets, clouds that form crosses, and — as happened last night — a thunderstorm of epic proportions. Maybe it’s coincidence. Maybe not. But it always feels symbolic.

And last night, as the State of Florida executed Richard Knight, the storm felt fitting. Richard’s life was marked by chaos, and his execution came just hours after Tony Carruthers’ execution in Tennessee was halted when prison staff could not establish IV access. FADP’s Maria DeLiberato — who serves as Tony’s attorney and was present during the attempted execution — witnessed those events firsthand. Richard’s attorneys filed emergency appeals while they were still torturing Tony, warning that the same thing could happen in Florida. We wrote more about those developments in our statement. I really hope you’ll read it to better understand just what happened yesterday.

As rain and thunder rolled across the prison grounds, Richard Knight was led into a bright, dry room to be killed. Standing outside was Herman Lindsey, Florida’s 23rd death row exoneree, FADP board member, and Executive Director of Witness to Innocence. Herman knew Richard personally, and afterward he shared these reflections:

This morning I woke up to seeing the headlines: “Man convicted of killing a woman and her 4-year-old daughter is executed in Florida.” I was at the vigil across from Florida State Prison as the execution took place. I got soaking wet from the storming rain, hoping he knew I was standing with him.

The headlines triggered my emotions and depression because I was in the courtroom many times with Richard Knight. Richard and I had the same judge, Eileen O’Connor. While she worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Fort Lauderdale, two co-workers had filed complaints against her. The first complaint alleged that she discriminated against a Black section chief. Another complaint charged her with discrimination against a Jewish prosecutor.

As far as I can tell, Richard and I were Judge O’Connor’s first death penalty cases after she received death qualification status. I received a death sentence in her courtroom with no evidence that I participated in the crime, no evidence that I was present during the crime, and no evidence linking me to the crime. And I mean no evidence. In fact, the Florida Supreme Court, in a 7-0 decision, ruled that my Judgment of Acquittal should have been granted by Judge O’Connor.

Richard received a death sentence even though the prints on the murder weapon did not belong to him. I was in the courtroom when motions about that evidence were argued, and I spoke to Richard in the holding cell every time we were waiting for court. There was more to the case, and Richard should never have received that death sentence.

Now I am sitting here looking at these headlines, asking myself: “What does justice look like? How could they force someone to die when there are reasonable doubts?” If the prints on the murder weapon belong to someone else, every person who learns that fact would have questions. But the State of Florida did not ask questions. They just killed him.

I’m sorry, Richard Knight.

With love and support,
Herman Lindsey

Andy Lukehart’s Execution Is Scheduled for June 2

As we grieve Richard, we look ahead. Andrew Lukehart’s execution is just 11 days away, and we need YOU to do all you can to show the world that we oppose the premeditated killing of a man who was sentenced to death by a nonunanimous jury and now suffers from serious medical illnesses that could make his execution torturous.

Andy’s lawyers are fighting for him in the courts. Here’s how you can fight for him in the eyes of the governor and the general public.

Learn about his case and share it with friends. Here are Facebookand Instagram post to get you started.
Sign his petition and send a letter to Gov. DeSantis.
On Monday, call the governor’s office (850-717-9337) and personally ask that he stop the execution of Andrew Lukehart by commuting his sentence to life without parole.
Make plans to attend a vigil or protest if the execution does proceed.

Every execution is an insult to our humanity, but we can show up and demand something different. I hope you’ll join us. One day, hopefully not too long from now, the skies over Florida State Prison will not be literal representations of the tragedies happening inside. They’ll just be… well, skies.

Onward,

Grace Hanna (and Herman Lindsey!)

P.S. Richard Knight loved AC/DC. I’m listening today in his spirit, and I think you should too!

P.P.S. With each execution, our vigils and protests continue to grow. More people are showing up to say that these killings do not happen in their name — and we want to make sure every person who joins us has the signs, shirts, banners, candles, and materials they need to be seen and heard. If you’re able, please consider making a donation today to help us continue building this movement across Florida.