STOP the Execution of James Duckett

Florida intends to execute James Duckett on March 31, 2026 for the 1987 murder of Teresa McAbee.

We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital punishment is an act of state-sanctioned violence that violates the sacred dignity of every human life. In the words of Saint Pope John Paul II, “The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil.” 

James’ case continues to hold several critical concerns regarding expert testimony, the state’s key witness, and DNA evidence.

Testimony from FBI analyst Michael Malone has been reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice which found that he repeatedly overstated the reliability of his analysis and gave scientifically unsupported testimony. 

The state’s key witness, Grace Gwendolyn Gurley, has since recanted her testimony in six separate statements, saying that the story she told the jury was not true. She has stated that she was instructed by investigators and told she would face less jail time if she cooperated.

Additionally, the DNA evidence found in this case has pending test results as of March 19, which could potentially remove James as the source.

There is no reason Florida should move forward with the irreversible execution of an individual while such serious concerns remain in the criminal case.

Please contact Governor DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency today.