Story perspectives

DeSantis’ Florida Executes 13th Person in 2026

8/20/2026

Summary

DeSantis Highlights Executions

Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the United States’ death-penalty use, citing recent executions and a new child-abuse law.
William Frances Silvia, 61, was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison on August 19, 2026.
Florida has carried out 13 executions in 2026, more than half of the U.S.’s 23 that year.
DeSantis signed the 2023 law allowing the death penalty for child sexual battery of children under 12.

Summary

Caruso Arrested

Michael Caruso, county clerk, was arrested on five felony child-sex-abuse charges on August 18, 2026.
Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Caruso and barred his pay and duties via executive order.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest and warned of possible additional charges.
Caruso is held without bond in Orange County Jail, awaiting a first appearance Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Shannon Ramsey-Chessman was sworn in as interim clerk after Caruso’s suspension.

History

Historical Context

Following the Supreme Court’s July 1976 Gregg v. Georgia decision, 35 states and the federal government revised death-penalty statutes within four years, leading to the first post-Furman execution in 1977. Florida, a top-ranking execution state, enacted a 2023 law imposing death for child sexual battery, a policy Governor Ron DeSantis now publicly defends amid rising debate.

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DeSantis Highlights Executions

Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the United States’ death-penalty use, citing recent executions and a new child-abuse law.
William Frances Silvia, 61, was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison on August 19, 2026.
Florida has carried out 13 executions in 2026, more than half of the U.S.’s 23 that year.
DeSantis signed the 2023 law allowing the death penalty for child sexual battery of children under 12.

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