safety
74-year-old man accused of killing wife becomes the oldest recorded execution in modern Florida history
By CBS Miami Team at CBS4 Miami
· June 25, 2026
· 4 min read
A 74-year-old Florida man who was convicted of fatally stabbing his wife on Thursday became the oldest person executed in the state since it began modern record-keeping in 1924.Dusty Ray Spencer was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. after receiving a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Star
Key takeaway Dusty Ray Spencer was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.
Why this matters in The Miami
The execution of 74-year-old Dusty Ray Spencer in Florida State Prison marks a somber milestone in the state's history, with Spencer becoming the oldest person to be executed in modern Florida history. This event is likely to resonate with Miami -Dade County residents, who may be aware of the complexities surrounding capital punishment and the aging inmate population. As the state continues to carry out executions, residents of neighborhoods like Little Havana and Miami Beach may be prompted to consider the broader implications of the death penalty on the community. With another 74-year-old inmate, Dennis Sochor, scheduled for execution in July, the conversation around aging inmates and capital punishment is likely to continue in the coming months. The fact that Florida has carried out nine executions this year, with a record 19 executions in 2025, underscores the need for ongoing discussion and reflection on this critical issue in Miami-Dade County and beyond.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 74-year-old Florida man who was convicted of fatally stabbing his wife on Thursday became the oldest person executed in the state since it began modern record-keeping in 1924.Dusty Ray Spencer was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. after receiving a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Star
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami Team at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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