Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unexpectedly revoked the execution order for William Lee Thompson, aged 74, on Thursday. The decision, communicated through a letter to the warden of Florida State Prison, was made without providing any public reasoning.
This unprecedented move by the governor occurred just days before Thompson was scheduled to face execution on Tuesday, October 13.
In a brief statement addressed to Warden Randall Polk in Raiford, DeSantis simply stated, “I hereby withdraw the execution warrant I signed on September 11, 2026, for carrying out the sentence of William Lee Thompson.” No further details were provided in the communication.
This marks the first instance of DeSantis retracting an execution order since he began intensifying the use of capital punishment in Florida starting in 2025. That year, the state executed 19 individuals, the highest annual count since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. As of 2026, Florida had conducted 16 executions prior to this withdrawal.
The Defense's Argument and Thompson's Condition
Thompson's legal representatives had filed emergency motions arguing their client suffers from dementia, rendering him unable to comprehend his conviction or the impending execution. Under Florida law, such a condition would prevent the execution from proceeding.
Neuropsychologist Robert Ouaou, hired by the defense, concluded that “Mr. Thompson lacks the mental capacity to understand the fact of his impending execution and its reasoning.”
Defense documents revealed that Thompson was unable to recall his medical history, which included surgeries leaving him with colostomy and ileostomy bags. He appeared “confused” and “disoriented,” mistakenly believed “Bush” was still president, and was unable to respond verbally to questions.
Beyond dementia, Thompson required urgent medical care for conditions such as sepsis, systolic heart failure, severe malnutrition, and pressure ulcers.
Calls for Intervention and Evaluation
At the end of September, over 100 health professionals signed a letter demanding the execution be halted.
On September 17, DeSantis ordered a psychiatric evaluation by three state-appointed experts, which took place on October 1. The results were never publicly disclosed, and the governor did not clarify whether they influenced his decision.
The Florida Supreme Court rejected Thompson's suspension request earlier on the same Thursday before DeSantis independently withdrew the order.
A Grisly Crime and a Long Wait
Thompson was convicted of the kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of Sally Ivester, 23, which took place on March 30, 1976, in a North Miami Beach motel room.
Along with accomplice Rocco Surace, he subjected the victim to hours of assault using a belt chain, blunt objects, and cigarette burns. Ivester died from internal bleeding and multiple injuries.
Thompson has spent more than 48 years on death row, marking the fourth longest tenure for any current inmate in Florida.
It's important to note that withdrawing the order doesn’t imply a commutation or pardon; Thompson remains on death row, and DeSantis could potentially issue a new order in the future.
His attorney, Bri Lacy, expressed relief and urged the Department of Corrections to transfer Thompson to an appropriate medical facility.
This cancellation occurs amid growing national scrutiny of the death penalty. At the end of September, Christa Pike survived a botched execution attempt by lethal injection in Tennessee, prompting that state’s governor to suspend all remaining executions for the year.
On October 13, the execution of James Robertson—the other inmate scheduled for that day alongside Thompson—was still set to proceed. Robertson, who killed his cellmate in 2008 to deliberately be sent to death row, has not contested his sentence.
Insights into Florida's Death Row Policies
Why did Governor DeSantis withdraw the execution order for William Lee Thompson?
Governor DeSantis withdrew the execution order without providing a public explanation. It remains unclear what factors influenced his decision.
What medical conditions does William Lee Thompson suffer from?
Thompson is reported to suffer from dementia, confusion, and disorientation. He also has a history of sepsis, systolic heart failure, severe malnutrition, and pressure ulcers.
Has DeSantis previously withdrawn an execution order?
This is the first time Governor DeSantis has withdrawn an execution order since he intensified the use of capital punishment in Florida from 2025 onward.