- 1988: James Duckett is convicted of the 1987 murder of Teresa McAbee in Lake County, Florida. He has always maintained his innocence.
- February 27, 2026: Governor DeSantis signs a death warrant, scheduling his execution for Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m.
- After the warrant:
- His attorneys request DNA testing on evidence that was never tested before because the technology needed for such a small sample didn’t exist at the time. Now, with their client’s life on the line, they knew they had no choice but to go forward. They ask for advanced testing called SNP (“snip”) testing at the specialized lab Othram, capable of analyzing very small DNA samples.
- A judge agrees to DNA testing, but, as is customary, allows the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to choose the lab. The evidence is sent to another lab in South Florida instead.
- March 26: The Florida Supreme Court issues a stay of execution to allow time for testing to be completed.
- March 27: Test results come back inconclusive. Scientists find male DNA, but cannot determine who it belongs to. FDLE’s Deputy Director of Forensic Sciences says more advanced testing is needed and suggests Othram as a potential site for this testing.
- Despite this recommendation from their own expert, the State moves forward, asking the court to lift the stay and proceed with the execution. Mr. Duckett’s attorneys counter and ask for permission to complete the additional testing.
- Today: There is still no clear answer from the DNA evidence and no definitive proof of guilt. As of the time we’re sending this, the Florida Supreme Court hasn’t ruled either way.
So, that’s where things stand. We’re waiting just like you are. We’ve tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions below, so be sure to check those out. Otherwise, we’ll be back with an update as soon as we have one.
Onward,
The FADP Team
FAQs
Will the execution go forward on Tuesday?
We don’t know. This depends on when and how the Florida Supreme Court rules. The warrant period is technically a week long, so they have until next Tuesday (April 7) to conclude the legal proceedings and complete the execution if things don’t go the way we’re hoping.
OK, so when do you expect them to rule?
It could be any time. But the Florida Supreme Court typically issues rulings during regular business hours, so sometime Monday seems most likely. In this work, though, you have to learn to expect the unexpected.
Why wasn’t the DNA tested before now?
Simply put, the technology didn’t exist. But the encouraging news is that it does now. Jim’s lawyers are asking the Supreme Court to authorize it since the lab the state chose didn’t have all the tools needed.
When will I get another update from FADP?
Probably after the Florida Supreme Court rules. If there’s anything important to share before then, you can count on us to let you know.
I usually attend a vigil. Will that be happening?
It depends. You should check with your vigil organizer. We’re also checking with them and will try to update our website accordingly as we hear about their contingency plans.
How’s Jim Duckett doing? He must be so anxious.
The people closest to him say that he’s in good spirits. Our colleague Maria often says that the folks on death row tend to deal with this kind of uncertainty much better than the rest of us.
Is there anything else I can do to help?
- If you haven’t already, sign the petition and send Gov. DeSantis a letter. We make it easy, and you can do this even if you don’t live in Florida.
- Tell 3 people about Jim’s case using the timeline above. Have them sign up for emails from FADP, and then tell them to go out and spread the word further.
- If you can, donate. A lot of FADP’s work goes unseen, but it’s happening nonetheless. We communicate with all of you, but we also assist the legal teams on messaging, advocate in the Florida legislature, organize grassroots activists, connect families with loved ones facing execution, and even advocate for better conditions within the prison. If you haven’t already seen it, please read our newsletter, Meanwhile in Florida, for a look at everything we do separate from execution-related advocacy.
What’s happening with Chadwick “Khalil” Willacy?
Khalil has legal proceedings happening in both circuit court and the Florida Supreme Court. His execution is scheduled for April 21, and you can help through his petition and letter campaign.
