safety
Death penalty opponents, friends argue against upcoming execution for Florida man convicted of murdering his wife
By CBS Miami Team at CBS4 Miami
· June 18, 2026
· 2 min read
Opponents of the death penalty and friends of Dusty Ray Spencer argued Thursday against his pending execution by lethal injection next week for murdering his wife 34 years ago in Orange County.Spencer, 74, would become the oldest person put to death in Florida since the reinstatement of the death pe
Key takeaway In seeking to "humanize" Spencer beyond the headlines and mug shots, retired cardiologist Felix Rogers described his friend of 30-years as a survivor of sexual abuse by his father who has overcome substance addictions.
Why this matters in The Miami
The upcoming execution of Dusty Ray Spencer has sparked debate in Miami , where many residents are concerned about the state's increased use of the death penalty. As the oldest person to be put to death in Florida since 1976, Spencer's case raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing violent crimes. In a city like Miami, where neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood are known for their vibrant communities, the idea of executing a 74-year-old man who has spent decades on Death Row is particularly jarring. The fact that Spencer's execution would be the ninth in Florida this year, following a record 19 executions last year, suggests a trend that may be at odds with the values of many Miamians. As the city grapples with its own safety concerns, including the impact of hurricanes and sea-level rise, the debate over the death penalty is a reminder that justice and compassion are complex issues that require careful consideration.
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 .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Opponents of the death penalty and friends of Dusty Ray Spencer argued Thursday against his pending execution by lethal injection next week for murdering his wife 34 years ago in Orange County.Spencer, 74, would become the oldest person put to death in Florida since the reinstatement of the death pe
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 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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