Friends,
Death watch is full again. Moments ago, Gov. DeSantis scheduled the execution of Daniel Conahan, Jr. for 6pm on Thursday, September 10. Mr. Conahan was sentenced to death for the 1996 murder of Richard Montgomery in Charlotte County. If all 3 scheduled executions are carried out, that will place the year-to-date total at 15. In all of 2025, there were only 19.
The murder of Richard Montgomery was a horrific crime, and his loved ones have no doubt spent the years since his death grieving the time they lost with him. At the same time, Mr. Conahan has always maintained his innocence in this crime, and his request for additional DNA testing remains pending before the courts.
That’s right: His request for additional DNA testing was still being considered when Gov. DeSantis signed his death warrant.
We’ll have more to say soon. For now, please sign Mr. Conahan’s petition below, and share our posts on Facebook and Instagram to help spread the word.
Stop the Execution of Daniel Conahan
There are two additional executions scheduled in the weeks ahead. Keep reading for more info, and ways that you can take action.
William Silvia: August 18 at 6pm
William Silvia’s execution is scheduled for next Tuesday, August 18 at 6pm. He was sentenced to death for the 2006 murder of his wife, Patricia Silvia.
Mr. Silvia lives with serious mental illness, and his actions at the time of the crime were undoubtedly shaped by his mental health conditions and a lifetime of trauma. His case is currently before the Florida Supreme Court, and litigation is expected to continue to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Take action for Mr. Silvia below by writing to the Governor and asking him to stop this execution and end the cycle of violence.
Harold Lucas: September 1 at 6pm
Harold Gene Lucas is scheduled for execution at 6pm on September 1. He was sentenced to death for the 1976 murder of Jill Piper.
Mr. Lucas has decided to waive his final appeals, meaning he will not be challenging or attempting to stop his execution. This is not uncommon — studies show that approximately 10% of people executed in the United States have “volunteered” by abandoning at least part of the appeals process. Even so, it presents a difficult situation for advocates to wrestle with.
We respect Mr. Lucas’s decision and agency, but his choice not to pursue further appeals does not require us to accept the State of Florida’s choice to execute him — or anyone else. Keep an eye out for more info in the weeks ahead.
Show Strength in Numbers
In the coming weeks, people across Florida will gather in prayer and witness as the state prepares to execute William Silvia on August 18, Harold Lucas on September 1, and Daniel Conahan on September 10.
There is real power in knowing that, at the same hour, people are standing together in communities across the state to say that these executions are not being carried out in silence or in our names. Whether five people gather outside a church to pray or fifty gather in a public square to protest, every act of public witness matters. Right now, as we approach a gubernatorial election, demonstrating people power is essential. Our state’s leaders must know that the death penalty is not a popular issue — it’s one they can choose to leave in the past.
You can find an existing vigil near you on our website. If there is not one in your community, we encourage you to host one. It does not need to be elaborate: choose an accessible location, invite a few people, and gather for prayer, reflection, or a simple period of silence. FADP can provide sample readings, signs, and other materials, and we will help share the details with supporters in your area.
Find a Vigil or Demonstration
Request Info About Hosting
The weeks ahead will be difficult, but we’ll get through them by holding fast to our values and believing wholeheartedly that Florida does not need the death penalty. Thank you for continuing to stand with us and for making this work possible.
Onward,
The FADP Team
Three men are now under active death warrants in Florida. Over the next month, our team will work through three compressed cycles of legal updates, public education, media outreach, family support, and statewide vigil coordination.
This urgent work happens alongside everything we do throughout the year: educating communities, organizing events across the state, advocating for policy change, supporting people and families affected by the death penalty, and building a stronger movement for abolition. We need resources to respond when warrants are signed and to continue the sustained work that can prevent future executions.
Your gift helps make all of that possible. Please make a contribution today to sustain our work through the difficult weeks ahead and beyond.
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift will be tax-deductible in the U.S. (EIN: 20-8639660). Donation checks should be made out to FADP and mailed to: FADP P.O. Box 82943 Tampa, FL 33682.