Louis Gaskin Executed 4/12/2023
Last night, Florida completed its second execution of 2023 with the execution of Louis Gaskin. The next execution is scheduled May 3, 2023.
Last night, the State of Florida executed Louis Gaskin. The original post with the background of Gaskin’s case can be found here.
It was the second execution in the state this year. Another one is scheduled in less than thirty days—on May 3, 2023.1
The Department of Corrections’ 3:30 briefing about the execution can be found here. DOC reported that Gaskin’s final meal was BBQ pork ribs, pork and turkey neck, Buffalo wings, shrimp fried rice, french fries, and water. His sister visited him the morning of the execution and that he was “calm and in good spirits.” They also reported that there would be no victim witnesses or spiritual advisor at the execution.
On Gaskin’s final words, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal:
Before his execution, Gaskin said "Justice is not about the crime. "It's not about the criminal. It's about the law." He referred to his case and said "Look at my case." Though parts of his statement were difficult to understand.
In addition, on March 20, Gaskin wrote:
"I am standing like a Pyramid in the sun without shade, crumbling just a little bit with passing of another birthday, but still a magnificent creation of God's love in me....I don't know what will happen but am prepared, smile. Let God's will be done."
Gov. DeSantis’s office confirmed that Louis Bernard Gaskin, 56, was pronounced dead by lethal injection at 6:15 p.m. DOC officials said “the execution took place ‘without incident.’" The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported that, “[a]mong the approximately 23 witnesses were 7th Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano and 7th Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza.”2
News Coverage
Ahead of the Execution
Brendan Farrington, Florida set to execute 'ninja killer' for 1989 murders, First Coast News (Apr. 12, 2023)
Melanie Kalmanson & Maria DeLiberato, Florida’s death penalty: As capricious as lightning strikes | Opinion, Sun Sentinel (Apr. 11, 2023)
Frank Fernandez, U.S. Supreme Court rejects stay for Louis Gaskin; Florida execution set for Wednesday, Daytona Beach News-Journal (Apr. 11, 2023)
After the Execution
Frank Fernandez, Live updates: Louis Gaskin executed at Florida State Prison, Daytona Beach News-Journal (Apr. 12, 2023)
Updated Lethal Injection Protocol
Gaskin’s was the first execution completed under the most recently Lethal Injection Protocol, which the DOC updated on March 10, 2023. It can be found here.
There do not appear to be any material changes from the prior Protocol, which was dated May 2021. It appears the reason for the update was the periodic review requirement, which requires DOC to review the Protocol at least every two years:
Reminder that the legislation is heading to the full House today beginning at 9:00 a.m. It can be viewed here.
Gaskin was prosecuted in the Seventh Circuit. Whether they have a connection to the case is unclear.