Current:Home > StocksExecution set for Florida man convicted of killing two women he met at beach bars in 1996 -FutureFinance
Execution set for Florida man convicted of killing two women he met at beach bars in 1996
View
Date:2025-04-16 01:54:31
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A man convicted of killing two women he met at beach bars in the Florida Panhandle in 1996 is set to be executed under a death warrant signed Thursday by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Michael Duane Zack III’s lethal injection is scheduled for Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. It’s the sixth execution scheduled in Florida this year after a break dating back to 2019.
The scheduled execution of Zack, 54, would be the eighth under DeSantis. Though Florida has been executing death row inmates at a far slower pace than under its previous governors, DeSantis has made tougher, more far-reaching death penalty laws an issue in his presidential campaign.
According to court records, Zack went on a crime spree across the Florida Panhandle in June 1996. He had been living in Tallahassee when he borrowed a bartender’s car and never returned it, authorities said. Zack made his way toward Panama City, where the owner of a local construction business allowed Zack to stay in his house. Investigators said Zack stole two guns and some cash from the man and then went to Niceville, where he pawned the guns.
Zack eventually ended up in Okaloosa Island. Officials said he met Laurie Russillo, whom Zack strangled to death before leaving her body on the beach. Zack then drove to Pensacola Beach, where he met Ravonne Smith. Investigators said Zack sexually assaulted Smith and then fatally stabbed her at her home. Zack stole some electronics from Smith’s home and tried to pawn them in Panama City. He was arrested two days later after breaking into a house.
Zack was convicted of first-degree murder for both deaths. He received a life sentence for Russillo’s murder and the death penalty for Smith’s slaying.
Defense attorneys have argued that Zack suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder, which make Zack impulsive and cause him to be under constant emotional and mental distress.
Earlier this year in Florida, Donald Dillbeck was executed in February, and Louis Bernard Gaskin was executed in April. Darryl B. Barwick was executed in May, followed by Duane Eugene Owen in June. James Phillip Barnes was executed earlier this month.
veryGood! (632)
Related
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- 8-year-old girl attacked by 'aggressive' cow elk while riding bike in Colorado
- A grant program for Black women business owners is discriminatory, appeals court rules
- These 23 Pottery Barn Teen Items Work as Home Decor Gems for Modern Adults: Finds Starting at $4.99
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Remains of World War II soldier killed in 1944 identified, returned home to Buffalo
- New Jersey Democrats and Republicans picking Senate, House candidates amid Menendez corruption trial
- Diver found dead in Lake Erie identified as underwater explorer
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- At 15 years old, Miles Russell is set to make his PGA Tour debut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Ranking
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Horoscopes Today, June 1, 2024
- Miley Cyrus opens up about friendship with Beyoncé, writing 'II Most Wanted'
- Who will replace Pat Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortune?' Hint: He was 7 when Sajak began hosting.
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Fraud trial juror reports getting bag of $120,000 and promise of more if she’ll acquit
- Electric bills forecast to soar with record summer heat, straining household budgets
- Kim Kardashian's Makeup Artist Ash K. Holm Shares Her Dewy Makeup Tips for Oily Skin Types
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
Giant Food stores in D.C. area ban duffel bags to thwart theft
Poppi sodas 'are basically sugared water' due to low prebiotic fiber content, lawsuit says
Remains of World War II soldier killed in 1944 identified, returned home to Buffalo
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
Panthers, city seek $800M stadium renovation deal to keep team in Charlotte for 20 years
Cattle are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Hawaii seaweed could change that
Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon: Chennedy Carter's hit on Caitlin Clark 'not appropriate'