Full Breakdown
Florida Man Scheduled for Execution Following 1990 Murder
4/22/2026, 12:31:09 AM
Overview of the Case
Chadwick Scott Willacy, 58, is set to be executed on Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison near Starke for the 1990 murder of Marlys Sather. Willacy's execution follows a series of legal proceedings stemming from his conviction for first-degree murder, burglary, robbery, and arson. He was sentenced to death in 1991 after a jury recommended the death penalty by a vote of 9-3.
Details of the Crime
The crime occurred in September 1990 when Sather returned home from work during her lunch break and discovered Willacy burglarizing her residence in Palm Bay. According to court records, Willacy struck Sather in the head with a blunt object, fracturing her skull. He then bound her hands and ankles with wire and tape, attempted to strangle her with a telephone cord, and ultimately doused her in gasoline before setting her on fire. An autopsy revealed that Sather died from smoke inhalation, indicating she was alive when set ablaze. Willacy also stole her car and used her ATM card to withdraw cash.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Willacy's initial sentencing was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court in 1994 due to procedural errors during the trial, specifically regarding the exclusion of a juror who expressed reservations about recommending the death penalty. He was resentenced to death in 1995 with an 11-1 jury recommendation. Recent appeals filed by Willacy were denied by the Florida Supreme Court, and he has made claims regarding the state's handling of public records related to executions and lethal injection protocols. His final appeals were pending before the U.S. Supreme Court as the execution date approached.
Context of Executions in Florida
Florida has seen a significant increase in executions under Governor Ron DeSantis, who has overseen more executions in a single year than any other Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. In 2025, Florida executed 19 individuals, the highest number recorded in a single year since the reinstatement of the death penalty. Willacy's execution will mark Florida's fifth execution in 2026, with another execution scheduled for later this month.
Criticism and Opposition
The rise in executions in Florida has drawn criticism from various advocacy groups and individuals who oppose the death penalty. Concerns have been raised regarding the fairness of trials, the potential for wrongful convictions, and the ethical implications of capital punishment.
Upcoming Executions
Following Willacy's execution, James Ernest Hitchcock, 70, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection on April 30 for the murder of his 13-year-old niece. This execution is part of a broader trend in Florida, where the state continues to carry out death sentences at a notable rate.
