STOP the Execution of Michael B. Bell

Florida intends to execute Michael “Mike” B. Bell on July 15 for the 1993 murder of Jimmy West and Tamecka Smith.

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.” 

Mr. Bell has never received a full federal review of his conviction and death sentence. His case raises serious concerns about racial bias, inadequate legal representation, and due process. Recently, multiple key witnesses recanted their trial testimony in sworn affidavits, admitting they were coached, threatened, or offered favors in exchange for their statements.

But when asked to testify, those same witnesses were told they could face perjury charges if they told the truth. In fear of this threat, they remained silent.

If carried out, this execution would mark the eighth in the state of Florida this year alone — this would tie the record for the most executions the state has ever seen.

It is up to each of us to continue to cry out against the injustice of capital punishment as we work for just solutions that are rooted in dignity, not death.

Contact  Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency today urging them to stop this execution.