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Exonerated Floridians urge Donalds to review all 235 death sentences
Three exonerated former death row prisoners have urged Florida’s governor-elect, Byron Donalds, to pause executions and review all 235 current death sentences. Their appeal matters because Florida is carrying out executions at a record pace, while the men say their cases show how wrongful convictions can go undetected.
At a press conference in Tallahassee, Herman Lindsey, Joaquín José Martínez and Seth Penalver called for a roundtable with Donalds and incoming legislative leaders. Florida has exonerated 30 people sentenced to death since 1976; its scheduled execution of Thomas Overton next Thursday would be its 20th this year, surpassing the 2025 record of 19. Donalds has been described by his transition team as a staunch supporter of the death penalty, making a moratorium unlikely.
In short
- Exonerated men ask Florida’s governor-elect to pause executions.
- Florida’s next execution would be its 20th this year.
- Donalds has been described as a death penalty supporter.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A pause and review could help uncover wrongful convictions before an irreversible punishment is carried out. The exonerations of 30 people sentenced to death in Florida since 1976 give proponents reason to examine whether current cases have been thoroughly tested, while a roundtable could build public confidence in the system.
The case against
The state has a duty to enforce lawful sentences and deliver justice for victims and their families; a blanket pause could delay that process even in cases supported by strong evidence and careful review. Those who favour capital punishment may argue that existing appeals and safeguards should address errors, and that executions should proceed where convictions have survived them.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Former death row prisoners call Byron Donalds to halt future Florida executions”.