DeSantis withdraws death warrant for Florida inmate with dementia

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has withdrawn the death warrant for William Lee Thompson, a 74-year-old inmate whose lawyers say dementia has left him unable to understand his planned execution. DeSantis gave no reason for the decision in a Thursday letter to the warden of Florida State Prison.

Thompson had been scheduled to die by lethal injection Tuesday for the 1976 murder of Sally Ivester in Miami-Dade County. Another execution set for that day remains on the schedule: James Robertson, 63, is due to be executed for killing fellow inmate Frank Hart in 2008 at the Charlotte Correctional Institution.

DeSantis signed Thompson’s death warrant on Sept. 11. After his lawyers raised concerns about his mental condition, the governor ordered a three-member panel of psychiatrists to examine him. In the order, DeSantis cited a neuropsychologist’s opinion, relayed by Thompson’s counsel, that Thompson’s dementia and cognitive decline had left him unable to understand his impending execution or the reason for it. The panel was to examine Thompson on Oct. 1 and report its findings the following day. Officials have not released the findings.

“He did not know where he was, stated that ‘Bush’ was the president, and, at times, did not even recognize that he had been sentenced to death,” said Grace Hanna, executive director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, describing concerns raised by Thompson’s counsel. She also said he has heart failure and other health problems.

Hours before DeSantis withdrew the warrant, the Florida Supreme Court denied Thompson’s motion for a stay. His lawyers have also filed a federal lawsuit seeking care for his medical conditions, according to CBS News.

Thompson’s attorney, Bri Lacy, said she was relieved. “Mr Thompson suffers from dementia and his health is failing – both of which were gravely concerning with an impending execution,” she told the Associated Press. She said she hoped the Florida Department of Corrections would move him to a medical facility and provide the care he needs. Thompson remains on death row, and DeSantis could sign another warrant, The Guardian reported.

Court records say Thompson and Rocco Surace kidnapped Ivester and subjected her to a prolonged assault in a Dade County motel room after she could obtain only $25 from her family. She died of internal bleeding and multiple injuries. Thompson pleaded guilty to murder, kidnapping and sexual battery. His death sentence was overturned more than once before a court imposed it again in 1989, following a 7-5 jury recommendation.

The withdrawal follows Tennessee’s failed attempt to execute Christa Pike on Sept. 30. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee halted executions in his state and ordered an independent investigation afterward. The Guardian reported that this is the first time DeSantis has withdrawn a death warrant during his nearly eight years in office.