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Florida Supreme Court Stays Execution for DNA Testing

3/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Florida Supreme Court has temporarily stayed James Duckett's execution for the 1987 murder of 11-year-old Teresa McAbee to allow DNA testing he says could prove innocence.
The court ordered the state to report on the DNA testing by Friday as testing proceeds at a private lab.
Justice Adam Tanenbaum dissented, arguing Duckett delayed seeking DNA testing until after the death warrant was signed.

History

Historical Context

The 1987 murder of 11-year-old Teresa McAbee in Florida led to James Duckett's conviction, highlighting issues of wrongful convictions. Founded in 1992, the Innocence Project has since exonerated over 375 individuals through DNA testing. Duckett's case underscores ongoing debates about the death penalty and the reliability of forensic evidence, influencing justice reform discussions across the United States.

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Story summary

Florida Supreme Court has temporarily stayed James Duckett's execution for the 1987 murder of 11-year-old Teresa McAbee to allow DNA testing he says could prove innocence.
The court ordered the state to report on the DNA testing by Friday as testing proceeds at a private lab.
Justice Adam Tanenbaum dissented, arguing Duckett delayed seeking DNA testing until after the death warrant was signed.

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