I’m honestly at a loss for words right now. In the seconds before we were to hit send on this email with an update on the scheduled execution of Michael Bell, Governor DeSantis signed his 9th death warrant of 2025, setting Air Force Veteran Edward ‘Zak’ Zakrzewski for execution on July 31. More details forthcoming, but we do know that Edward’s death sentences were the product of two simple majority votes (7-5 each) plus a judge’s override of a jury’s life verdict. In no other state in the nation, including under Florida’s current law, would Edward even be eligible for execution.
This warrant comes just days in advance of the 4th of July, and less than a month after DeSantis signed legislation aimed at helping veterans, boldly claiming that “Florida remains the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
Michael Bell Update
Two weeks from today, on July 15 at 6 pm, the State of Florida plans to execute Michael “Mike” Bell. If the execution proceeds, it will be the eighth to take place this year — tying the record for the most executions the state has ever seen.
Mike Bell’s case is now before the Florida Supreme Court after a deeply flawed evidentiary hearing failed to fully examine powerful new evidence that directly undermines the evidence presented by the State at trial.
There are serious doubts about the integrity of Mike’s conviction and death sentence. No physical evidence tied him to the shooting. The prosecution’s entire theory hinged on a single eyewitness who now says investigators coerced him into lying and saying he saw the crime took place, when the reality was that he only heard some gunshots. Florida is rushing to carry out an irreversible punishment without any meaningful evaluation of these allegations.
Even more troubling is the State’s reaction to these recantations. Instead of trying to make sure the truth was heard, the State threatened the witnesses with perjury charges, forcing them back in line with the State’s initial theory. Florida’s death penalty scheme has been criticized since its inception for its disregard for fairness, accountability, and due process. This case is yet another stark example of that dysfunction. The courts are supposed to seek truth, not hide from it.
Mike Bell deserves a real chance to be heard, not a sham proceeding. The Florida Supreme Court must intervene. The Governor must halt this execution. And the people of Florida must ask: if the courts and Governor won’t correct this, who will?
We have less than two weeks to gather as many petition signatures and send as many messages to Governor DeSantis as possible. Take action now.
Compensation for Exonerees
In a rare bright spot, last Friday, the Governor approved legislation that finally removes a cumbersome provision and allows death row exonerees to apply for compensation for their wrongful incarceration — up to $50,000 per year. This critical development has major implications for FADP’s three exoneree Board Members: Herman Lindsey, Ron Wright, and Clemente Aguirre, who finally have the opportunity to be compensated for their horrific ordeal. All three men will have to navigate through the court systems, but this is a critical first step to begin to alleviate Florida’s shameful treatment of its exonerees. The ultimate compensation decision is up to each individual state attorney and the circuit court in the counties of the wrongful convictions. Please stay with us as these men fight for their rightful compensation, and we will let you know how you can support their battle.
Onward,
Maria DeLiberato
Executive Director