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An unidentified fingerprint. An execution scheduled for Thursday.

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The bloody knife that the State of Florida used to convict Richard Knight has an unidentified fingerprint on it. That print does not belong to Richard. It does not belong to either victim. It does not match any known person connected to the case. For more than 20 years, that print has sat untested in any modern law enforcement database.

The person whose fingerprint was found on murder weapon – a person who was at the scene the night Odessia Stephens and Hanessia Mullings were killed — has been allowed to live freely, unidentified, while Richard sits on death row.

In two decades, a lot can change. That person could have been arrested, applied for a professional license, undergone a background check, or had their fingerprints entered into a state or federal database.

The technology and evidence to identify this individual exists. All the State has to do is run the print.

Instead, Florida is preparing to execute Richard Knight on Thursday, May 21 at 6 PM.

Here’s everything you can do to spread the word about the untested fingerprint and advocate for Richard:

  • Send a letter to Gov. DeSantis urging clemency
  • Spread the word about the untested fingerprint by sharing FADP’s posts on Facebook or Instagram
  • On Monday, call Gov. DeSantis’ office and urge him to stop Richard’s execution and allow for the unidentified fingerprint found on the murder weapon to be run through the state’s database: (850) 717-9337
  • Join us at Florida State Prison, online, or at a local vigil on May 21

Andrew Lukehart Scheduled for Execution on June 2

Just twelve days after Richard’s scheduled execution, Florida plans to execute Andrew “Andy” Lukehart on Tuesday, June 2 at 6 p.m.

Andy’s actions on the night Gabrielle Hanshaw died were tragic, and he has spent decades expressing remorse for what he did. But the reality is this: Andy’s death sentence is unconstitutional.

At trial, jurors heard evidence of horrific childhood abuse, severe trauma, borderline intellectual functioning, and lifelong mental health struggles. After hearing that evidence, three jurors voted for life — not death. But because Florida allows judges to impose death sentences after non-unanimous jury recommendations, Andy was sent to death row anyway. In no other state in the country would he be facing execution today.

And now, there’s another constitutional concern that has come to light: Andy’s kidneys are failing, and he will soon require dialysis . An anesthesiologist who reviewed his medical records concluded there is an “extremely high likelihood” that Andy will experience a painful and torturous death if executed because his kidneys are no longer able to properly filter toxins and medications.

Please read more about Andy’s case here, and take action for him today:

Organizing a Vigil or Protest

Every execution in Florida should be met with public resistance.

You do not need to live near a prison or the Capitol to take action. Organize a vigil at your courthouse, hold a small protest downtown, arrange to ring the bells at your place of worship, gather friends at a local park, or simply stand with signs in your community during an execution. Public witness matters. Visibility matters. Refusing to look away matters.

Executions depend on silence and isolation. Our movement grows every time someone chooses to interrupt that silence. We want to help, so let us know what’s on your mind.

Other States

Florida may be the busiest executing state in the country, but state-sanctioned killing continues nationwide.

Just Thursday, Oklahoma executed Raymond Johnson, and Texas carried out its 600th execution in the modern era when Edward Busby was put to death. In their final moments, both men apologized to their victims and their families.

Across the country, our partners and fellow advocates are organizing vigils, actions, and community responses to upcoming executions. This movement has always been bigger than any one state, and we are stronger when we stand together.

Take a few minutes to support and learn from the work happening across the country:

 

There’s a lot happening, and we’re glad you’re sticking with us. We’re planning our summer and fall schedules now, so keep an eye out for more opportunities to show up and oppose Florida’s failed death penalty.

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