Loran Cole Executed 8/29/2024
On August 29, 2024, the State of Florida executed Loran Cole. It was the first execution in the State of Florida in 2024--almost a year after the last execution.
Tonight, the State of Florida executed Loran Cole, completing the first execution in the State this year.
Information About the Execution
The DOC website indicated that DOC held the normal news briefings today; however, they were not publicly available or streamed.
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the DOC reported that Cole woke up at 6:00 a.m. today and “remained compliant” throughout the day. “He declined a meeting with a spiritual adviser but was joined by his son, Ryan Cole, and his pen-pal friend of 4 years, Beth Evans, for his last meal: Pizza, ice cream, M&Ms and soda.” The DOC also reported that Cole was offered a sedative before the execution but could not confirm whether he took it.
The Tallahassee Democrat reported earlier this week on statements from the victim’s friends and family related to the crime and execution. That report can be found here.
Cole was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. and did not make a final statement.
Following the execution, the Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty issued a statement that said in part:
While there is never a legal or moral justification for the death penalty in modern society, Loran’s execution feels particularly calculated, and particularly hypocritical.
Less than a month before the Governor chose Loran for execution, he and the Legislature recognized the lifelong and devastating harm the State caused to children who were sentenced to the Dozier School for Boys. The legislation acknowledged their deep suffering and allowed survivors to apply for compensation.
And yet, tonight we executed a Dozier survivor. Loran spent several months there as a teen. He was beaten, raped, and forced to clean up the remains of other tortured children.
News Articles About the Execution
Prior TFDP Coverage of the Cole Warrant
My thoughts are with everyone involved in the warrant and execution process.
I watched the Death Penalty Action-sponsored vigil with a heavy heart for all concerned, especially Loran's family and friends. The response to the petitions for clemency by the state was underwhelming and, until the death penalty is abolished, America is not the land of the free. I am praying for sanity to return to our land, soon.