Stay the Execution of Michael Bell

Governor DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency

Michael Bell was executed on  July 15 at 6 pm.

Governor DeSantis signed the eighth death warrant this year. Michael "Mike" B. Bell is scheduled to be executed on July 15 at 6 pm for the 1993 murders of Jimmy West and Tamecka Smith. He has been on death row since 1995.

Mike is scheduled to be executed despite never receiving a full federal review of his conviction and death sentence. His case raises serious concerns about racial bias, inadequate legal representation, and due process.

Mike was just 23 years old and grieving the death of his brother when the crime occurred. At trial, the prosecution repeatedly used racially charged language, describing Michael as someone who lived by “the law of the jungle.” Shockingly, his own lawyer agreed—telling the mostly white jury that Michael “lived in a different world than ours.” These dehumanizing remarks were never challenged.

Mike sought federal review, but because of delays in getting him a lawyer, the court said he was too late. Now, the State of Florida is poised to execute its third person this year whose case has never been fully reviewed in federal court.

We cannot allow this execution to proceed without accountability. The Governor of Florida has the sole authority to stop this. Urge him to grant clemency for Michael Bell and prevent a grave injustice.

Add your name now.

To: Governor DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency
From: [Your Name]

We stand together to urge you to stay the execution of Michael Bell and grant clemency.

Michael was just 23 years old and reeling from the murder of his brother when this crime occurred. We grieve deeply for the victims and do not minimize the profound pain endured by their loved ones.

At Michael's trial, the prosecution repeatedly used racially charged language, describing Michael as someone who lived by “the law of the jungle.” Shockingly, his own lawyer agreed—telling the mostly white jury that Michael “lived in a different world than ours.” These dehumanizing remarks were never challenged.

We firmly believe that Michael should be separated from society and held accountable for his actions, which life without the possibility of parole satisfies. It ensures he will never harm another person, while ending the cycle of state-sanctioned killing.

By commuting Michael's sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole, you will send a message that the State of Florida does not need the death penalty to be safer, and that it only serves to perpetuate the cycle of violence.