World · North America · 1 hr ago
Florida Executes James Robertson, Its 17th Prisoner This Year
Florida executed James Robertson, its first execution since a botched injection in Tennessee.
Robertson said he deliberately killed another inmate to get a death sentence.
The execution took place in Florida.
It was Florida's 17th execution this year, according to the reported account.
The Tennessee injection was described as botched, but no further details were provided.
No information was given about what happens next.
Florida executed James Robertson on Tuesday, nearly 18 years after he strangled his cellmate, Frank Hart.
Robertson, 63, was pronounced dead at 12:32 p.m. after receiving a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke.
He had said he killed Hart to be sentenced to death rather than spend his life in prison.
The execution was Florida’s 17th this year and the state’s first since a botched execution attempt in Tennessee.
Robertson pleaded guilty and waived all appeals, while a Florida death penalty opponent argued that the death penalty may have contributed to the violence.
- Who
- Florida executed James Robertson, 63, for killing his cellmate, Frank Hart.
- What
- Robertson was put to death by lethal injection. It was Florida’s 17th execution this year.
- When
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Florida State Prison near Starke, Florida.
- Why
- Robertson was sentenced to death for strangling Hart. He said he killed Hart so he would be moved to death row rather than spend his life in prison.
Florida Department of Corrections
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Execution process
Florida Department of Corrections
Jordan Kirkland said Florida had a sound lethal injection process and protocol and was committed to carrying it out humanely and with dignity.
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Maria DeLiberato argued that the death penalty may have caused the violence it was meant to prevent.
Robertson strangled his cellmate, Frank Hart, at Charlotte Correctional Institution.
Robertson told a judge he understood his execution had been scheduled and did not want to make final appeals.
Florida executed Robertson by lethal injection.
- Prisoner
- James Robertson, 63
- Victim
- Frank Hart
- Execution time
- 12:32 p.m.
- Execution site
- Florida State Prison near Starke
- Florida executions this year
- 17
- Method
- Three-drug injection
What people are saying
Florida has a sound lethal injection process and protocol
We are very committed to carrying that out in a humane and dignified manner.
the existence of the death penalty may have caused the very violence it purportedly prevents.
Sources
Related news
Six Flags closes nine coasters after fatal incident in Georgia
Cornell suspends student events after sexual assault allegations
Inquest begins into Toronto woman’s death after fall from balcony
Confusion delayed emergency response after Christa Pike survived execution attempt
Waterspout tornado confirmed in Georgian Bay
US authorities seek contempt finding against Martin Shkreli
Pearson gold heist ringleader says kidnappers took his share of the loot
Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades to reopen with Paramount and Rick Caruso
Arts and culture should be part of disaster recovery, advocates say
Durham police warn that online predators are coercing children
Police investigate paint attack on Peterborough facility as a hate crime
