safety
Florida's push to execute older inmates has victims' families, death penalty opponents divided
By CBS Miami Team at CBS4 Miami
· July 13, 2026
· 5 min read
The last prisoner strapped to a table in Florida's death chamber was 74 years old – the oldest the state has executed in modern times. The next two set to die are older still.The series of executions, due to be carried out by the end of this month, highlights the nation's aging death-row popul
Key takeaway One of Florida's prisoners scheduled to die in July, a man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend's parents in 1986, is 80 years old and would be only the second known octogenarian to be executed in the U.
Why this matters in The Miami
The upcoming executions of older inmates in Florida raise questions about the state's approach to capital punishment, particularly in a region like Miami where the population is already vulnerable to various risks. As the city faces challenges such as sea-level rise and flooding, the focus on executing elderly prisoners sparks debate about the allocation of resources and priorities. In a community with a strong presence of Latin American and Caribbean cultures, where family and aging are deeply valued, the execution of octogenarian inmates may be perceived as particularly cruel. The fact that one of the inmates, Dominick Anthony Occhicone, has spent nearly four decades on death row, highlights the lengthy appeals process and the need for a re-examination of the system. As Miami's residents and leaders navigate these complex issues, they must consider the moral and humanitarian implications of executing elderly prisoners, and how this reflects on the city's values and priorities.
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: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The last prisoner strapped to a table in Florida's death chamber was 74 years old – the oldest the state has executed in modern times. The next two set to die are older still.The series of executions, due to be carried out by the end of this month, highlights the nation's aging death-row popul
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 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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