The execution of Duane Owen is yet another stain on the State of Florida, further solidifying our place on the wrong side of history. Tonight’s execution was the fourth in an execution spree fueled solely by political ambition. Tonight we killed a human being with schizophrenia, one of the most severe and debilitating mental illnesses…
Owen’s attorneys filed a motion challenging the commission’s determination, and a competency hearing was held on June 1 and 2, 2023, in Bradford County. Owen was physically present for the entire hearing. The Defense called Dr. Eisenstein, who met again with Owen on May 30, after the Commission’s report was released. Dr. Eisenstein spent a…
On June 1 and 2, 2023, the following testimony was offered: Dr. Werner, one of the three psychiatrists Governor DeSantis appointed to evaluate Owen, testified at the competency hearing. Dr. Werner has been involved in “about five” of these evaluations. Owen “disclosed” his delusions “immediately.” Dr. Werner said to Owen, “You don’t really believe the…
