safety
Gov. DeSantis sets new execution date for ex-Florida police officer accused of rape, murder of 11-year-old girl
By CBS Miami Team at CBS4 Miami
· July 15, 2026
· 2 min read
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday evening signed a new death warrant for James Aren Duckett after the Florida Supreme Court lifted its stay of the former Mascotte police officer's previously scheduled execution.The action by DeSantis sets up two executions to take place at Florida State Prison on July 28
Key takeaway The action by DeSantis sets up two executions to take place at Florida State Prison on July 28, with Duckett scheduled to die at noon and Dominick Anthony Occhicone, 80, at 6 p.
Why this matters in The Miami
The scheduled execution of James Aren Duckett has significant implications for the Miami -Dade community, particularly in the context of public safety and the administration of justice. As a former police officer, Duckett's case raises questions about the accountability of law enforcement and the trust placed in those who serve and protect. The fact that Duckett was convicted of such a heinous crime, the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl, underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny of those in positions of power. Furthermore, the execution of Duckett and another inmate on the same day may put a strain on local resources, including the Miami-Dade Police Department, which may be called upon to provide support and security for the executions. The community will be watching closely as Duckett's legal team appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of all individuals are protected.
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 15, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday evening signed a new death warrant for James Aren Duckett after the Florida Supreme Court lifted its stay of the former Mascotte police officer's previously scheduled execution.The action by DeSantis sets up two executions to take place at Florida State Prison on July 28
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 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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