Florida executes man after nearly 50 years on death row

Florida has carried out the execution of James Hitchcock, a 70-year-old man who spent nearly half a century on death row for the 1976 murder of his 13-year-old step-niece, Cynthia Driggers. Convicted in 1977, Hitchcock always maintained his innocence.

Hitchcock's execution by lethal injection occurred at 6:12 pm local time at the Florida state prison in Raiford. His nearly 50 years awaiting execution place him among those who have spent the longest time incarcerated on death row in the United States. This case highlights the protracted nature of capital punishment in the US, where legal appeals can span decades.

Meanwhile, in Texas, another execution took place on the same evening. James Broadnax, 37, was put to death for the 2008 robbery and murder of two music producers. Broadnax, like Hitchcock, proclaimed his innocence in his final statement, stating, "No matter what you think about me, Texas got it wrong. I'm innocent."

These executions bring the total number of executions in the United States this year to 10. Last year saw 47 executions, the highest number since 2009. Florida led the nation in executions in 2025 with 19. The methods of execution are also evolving, with lethal injection being the most common, but states are also exploring or using firing squads and nitrogen hypoxia. The latter method has drawn criticism from UN experts who deem it cruel and inhumane. The ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment continues, with a significant number of US states having abolished the death penalty or placed moratoriums on its use, while proponents like former President Donald Trump advocate for its expansion.

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No matter what you think about me, Texas got it wrong. I'm innocent.