Stop the Execution of Samuel Smithers in Florida

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Stop the Execution of Samuel Smithers in Florida

Florida Board of Executive Clemency and Governor Ron DeSantis

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant scheduling Samuel Smithers’ execution for October 14, 2025 for the 1996 murders of Christie Cowan and Denise Roach.

While most states have moved away from the death penalty, Florida is accelerating executions at an alarming rate. Each warrant signed underscores the state’s embrace of a punishment that is arbitrary, racially biased, and out of step with evolving standards of decency.

We believe in accountability, but true accountability does not require execution. A sentence of life without the possibility of parole protects society while also recognizing the human capacity for redemption and the role of childhood trauma in shaping adult behavior.

Florida does not need the death penalty to be safe. This execution will not make us safer, it will simply add another act of violence to an already tragic story. Justice does not require death.

Please sign the petition asking Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida State Board of Executive Clemency to do everything within their power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

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Death Penalty Action

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

We are writing to urge you to halt the October 14, 2025 scheduled execution of Samuel Smithers for the 1996 murders of Cristy Cowan and Denise Roach.

We are concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Florida is going against this trend by resuming and increasing the frequency of executions - exceeding previous state records.

We, the undersigned, ask that you do everything within your power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case. By commuting his 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.

Thank you for your time and attention to this serious matter.