Florida Carries Out First Execution of 2026
Florida executed Ronald Heath on February 11, 2026. He was 64 years old. This marked the state’s first execution of the year. Heath was put to death by lethal injection. The execution took place at Florida State Prison. This news comes after a record year for executions in the state.
Details of the Crime
Heath was convicted of murder in 1989. The victim was Michael Sheridan, a traveling salesman. Heath and his brother, Kenneth Heath, met Sheridan at a bar in Gainesville. They lured Sheridan to a remote area. The plan was to rob him.
Escalation and Murder
Sheridan was shot during the robbery. Kenneth Heath fired the initial shots. Ronald Heath then stabbed Sheridan with a hunting knife. Prosecutors said Heath kicked the victim. Kenneth then shot Sheridan twice more in the head. The brothers took Sheridan’s valuables. They also used his credit cards for purchases.
Heath’s Troubled Past
This was not Heath’s first murder conviction. He had previously served time for killing a teenager. He was 16 years old at the time. That murder occurred in 1977. He was sentenced to 30 years. However, he was paroled after serving 10 years. Sheridan’s murder happened shortly after his release.
Brother’s Testimony
Kenneth Heath was a key witness. He pleaded guilty to murder. Kenneth testified against his brother, Ronald. This testimony was crucial to Ronald’s conviction. In exchange, Kenneth received a life sentence. He could be eligible for parole after 25 years.
Trial and Sentencing
The jury convicted Ronald Heath of first-degree murder. They also found him guilty of armed robbery. The jury recommended the death penalty. The vote was ten to two. The judge followed the jury’s recommendation. Heath had been on death row for 35 years.
Florida’s Execution Record
Florida set a record in 2025. The state carried out 19 executions that year. This was the highest number in state history. Governor Ron DeSantis oversaw this increase. This pace continued into 2026. Heath’s execution was the first of the year. Two more executions were already scheduled for February and March.
Legal Challenges and Appeals
Heath’s legal team raised several arguments. They questioned Florida’s lethal injection protocols. Attorneys claimed the state’s procedures risked unnecessary suffering. They also cited issues with clemency proceedings. Arguments about his juvenile brain development were made. Heath proposed a firing squad. Courts rejected his claims. The U.S. Supreme Court denied his final appeal.
Reactions and Advocacy
Anti-death penalty groups protested Heath’s execution. Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty voiced opposition. They stated Heath did not commit the murder alone. They criticized the brother’s plea deal. However, Sheridan’s family thanked Governor DeSantis. They felt justice was served. They criticized death penalty opponents.
Broader Context and News Coverage
This execution was the second in the U.S. in 2026. A Texas man was executed in January. News outlets across the country reported the story. Miami news outlets covered the execution extensively. The case highlights ongoing debates about capital punishment. Editorials have long discussed flaws in Florida’s death penalty system. The state has a high number of death row inmates. Florida also has many exonerations from death row. The state’s approach to capital punishment is under scrutiny.
Conclusion
Ronald Heath’s execution marks a somber beginning to Florida’s 2026 death penalty calendar. His case involves a brutal crime and a troubled history. The execution continues Florida’s trend of aggressive capital punishment. This pace is drawing national attention. The debates around the death penalty’s fairness and humanity persist. The news cycle for these events often includes diverse perspectives. Many news reports detail the legal battles and human cost.
