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.

The below is from our friends at Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

On October 14, 2025, Florida plans to execute 72-year-old Samuel Lee Smithers, one of the oldest people the state has ever sought to kill. Mr. Smithers has documented brain damage and is now showing signs of dementia, making him increasingly vulnerable and impaired

Even more striking: the father of one of the victims, Christie Cowan, pleaded with the court not to sentence Smithers to death. He said his daughter would not have wanted violence done in her name, and warned that an execution would cause him “the wors[t] and most brutal possible kind of closure.” Victims’ families deserve healing, not years of retraumatization through an execution process they do not want.

This case is about more than one man. It’s about whether Florida will continue down the path of record-breaking executions — even against the wishes of victims’ families — or whether our state can choose compassion, dignity, and life without parole instead of killing an elderly man in the name of justice.

Join the Virtual Sit In

Call Governor DeSantis' office at 850-717-9337 with the following message:

"Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to urge Gov. DeSantis to reverse course and halt all plans to execute Samuel Smithers on October 14. As someone who purports to follow Catholic teachings, the Pope has made it clear that the death penalty is not consistent with being pro-life. During Respect for Life month, we hope Gov. DeSantis will respect the life of Samuel and stop his execution."

REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 5PM ET ON 10/14.

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.