ZAKRZEWSKI WARRANT: Postconviction claims denied
Edward Zakrzewski’s execution is set for July 31 at 6:00 p.m. The circuit court denied Zakrzewski’s postconviction claims. His case now heads to the Florida Supreme Court.
Edward Zakrzewski’s execution is set for July 31 at 6:00 p.m.
As TFDP previously covered, last week, Zakrzewski filed a successive motion for postconviction relief. On Thursday, July 10, after a second case management conference, the circuit court denied Zakrzewski’s request for an evidentiary hearing.
Yesterday, the circuit court issued a 13-page Order summarily denying Zakrzewski’s claims. On Zakrzewski’s first claim related to the jury’s nonunaimous jury recommendation for death below today’s 8-4 standard, the court determined the claim is untimely because his “judgment and sentence became final decades ago.” The court further determined this claim is procedurally barred because he was previously denied Hurst relief. On his claim that he “has been subject to cruel and unusual punishment” by being on death row, the court determined the claim is without merit and “not properly pleaded.”
On Zakrzewski’s second claim related to the timing of his death warrant, the court determined that “the motion fails to demonstrate that [Zakrzewski] did not have meaningful access to the courts or counsel.”
On Zakrzewski’s third claim related to the clemency process, the court determined the claim is untimely and, regardless, “do not demonstrate a basis for relief.”
Therefore, the court also denied Zakrzewski’s motion for stay of execution.
Zakrzewski has appealed the ruling to the Florida Supreme Court. The filings, including the full Order, can be found on the Court’s docket here.
TFDP Prior Coverage of Zakrzewski’s Case
My thoughts are with everyone involved in the warrant- and execution-related process.