STOP the Execution of James Ernest Hitchcock

Florida intends to execute James Ernest Hitchcock on April 30, 2026 for the 1976 murder of Cindy Driggers.

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 was 19 years old at the time he was convicted of his crime. Today, he is 70 years old and has spent 50 years on death row.

James maintains that he was not responsible for the murder of Cindy Driggers. Two living witnesses are prepared to testify that his brother, Cindy’s stepfather, confessed to the murder. This is critical testimony that should be heard.

Additionally, the case against James rests on discredited methods of forensic science that produced unreliable results. Today, physical evidence that could be used for additional testing has been lost or destroyed.

As the state of Florida continues to recklessly pursue executions at an unprecedented pace, state authorities continue to block legal representatives from accessing records that would determine whether the method of execution that is being used would violate the Constitution’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. 

It is urgent that we lift our voices to oppose this spree of death and violation of the dignity of life.

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