Michael D. Zack, III Executed 10/3/2023
On October 3, 2023, the State of Florida executed Michael D. Zack, III. It was the sixth execution in the state in 2023. This post contains a statement from Zack.
Tonight, the State of Florida executed Michael D. Zack, III. It was the sixth execution in the State this year. Florida now leads the country in executions this year, followed closely by Texas, which has another execution scheduled October 10.
The U.S. Supreme Court denied Zack’s claims yesterday afternoon, just over 24 hours ahead of the execution.
Information About the Execution
Zack was visited by family in the days leading up to the execution.
DOC held the usual press briefings regarding the execution. They were not broadcast live.
According to the Pensacola News Journal, Zack declined a final meal, and his last words were:
“I love you all.”
He was pronounced dead at 6:14 p.m.
News Articles About the Execution
Statement from Zack
Below is a statement from Zack, written before his execution and shared with TFDP to be published after his execution:
Twenty-seven years ago, I was an alcoholic and a drug addict. I did things that have hurt a lot of people—not only the victims and their families and friends, but my own family and friends as well. I have woken up every single day since then filled with remorse and a wish to make my time here on earth mean something more than the worst thing I ever did.
When I got to death row, I substituted drugs and alcohol for happiness and positive relationships. I am so grateful to the guys on the row who took the time to teach me how to read and write. They changed my life forever because their love and support allowed me to have pen pals and friends all over the world. John, Susan, Maria, Anna, and David—I treasure you and the unconditional love you have shared with me all these years. The ability to read and write also led me to my beloved wife and soulmate, Ann-Kristin. I will love her for eternity.
I make no excuses. I lay no blame. But how I wish that I could have a second chance, to live out my days in prison and continue to do all I can to make a difference in this world. To all my brothers on death row, please continue to help each other. Give each other hope and peace. Keep sharing the love and acceptance that you all showed a hillbilly from Kentucky.
To all the lawyers, counselors, social workers, and volunteers who are working so hard to fix the juvenile justice and child welfare system in this country, I hope my story will inspire you to make a difference in a child’s life. You have the power to save another child from my fate. Your work is so important, and I love you.
To all the drug and alcohol treatment counselors and family and friends of people who, like me, suffer from addiction: Never give up! I hope you understand how much you are appreciated and loved. Someone like you could have changed my life twenty-seven years ago when I was screaming out for help.
To Brother Dale and Susan, God bless you, and thank you for being such a blessing to me.
To Linda, Dawn, Stacy, Jessica, Amanda, and Diana, thank you for everything you have done for me all these years. You fought for me until my last breath, and I love you.
And finally, to Governor Desantis and the Clemency Board: I love you. I forgive you. I pray for you.
Michael Zack
Statement from Zack’s Sisters
Below is a statement from Zack’s sisters, shared with TFDP to be published after the execution:
Michael Zack (“Bubba”) was executed today, October 3, 2023 at 6 p.m. His three sisters, “Lil Mama,” “TT,” and “Tish,” have released the following statement:
Tonight, The State of Florida executed our brother Michael, who we’ve always lovingly called “Bubba.” The pain and sorrow that accompany such a loss are indescribable.
We acknowledge the painful truth that our brother’s actions resulted in the tragic losses of Ms. Smith and Ms. Rosillo. We can empathize with the unimaginable pain experienced by their families and respect their unique feelings about this execution. Our mother was violently murdered when we were young; Bubba was only eleven years old. The pain of losing a loved one under such circumstances is beyond measure. The void left by her absence is profound.
Bubba endured, as we all did, unimaginable abuse at the hands of our father. Bubba did his best to protect us, his three sisters, yet we all have enduring scars from the trauma. Each of us has grappled with the violence that Bubba’s childhood trauma led him to inflict upon innocent victims. We are angry at what he has done.
Despite the darkness that surrounds us, our hearts remain tethered to a complex tapestry of emotions. We are aligned in the belief that he should have remained separated from society, where he would face accountability for his actions and maintain the sobriety he has achieved over the last 27 years. Still, our love for him endures. With his execution, our family faces another irrevocable and profound loss.
We understand the pain the families are experiencing, and while it does not get easier, you do learn to cope with the pain. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Lil Mama, TT, and Tish
2023 Executions
Here’s the updated map of the executions completed in Florida this year:
Prior TFDP Coverage of the Zack Warrant
The full background of Zack’s case is available here.
The Florida Supreme Court’s Scheduling Order
Beginning of trial court litigation here
The trial court’s Scheduling Order
The litigation related to public records is covered here.
Continuance due to Hurricane Idalia
The State’s responses to Zack’s motions in the trial court
A closer look at Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Trial court denies Zack’s claims
Claims filed in federal court
State seeks to dismiss federal claims
Briefing begins at the Florida Supreme Court
Litigation update as of September 13
Litigation update as of September 17
Zack’s appeal of the district court’s denial of his Motion for Stay of Execution
Florida Supreme Court denies Zack’s appeal
Litigation update as of September 24
Petition filed at SCOTUS
Second petition filed at SCOTUS
Claims pending at SCOTUS ahead of execution
SCOTUS denies Zack’s claims
My thoughts are with everyone involved in the warrant and execution process.
I had to leave the vigil. Thank you for showing the world how pointless and cruel this is.