Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for Michael Tanzi, scheduling his execution for April 8, 2025, for the 2000 kidnapping and murder of Janet Acosta in Monroe County, the Florida Supreme Court announced late Monday.
The move comes as the state gears up for its second execution of the year, with inmate Edward James set to face lethal injection on March 20 for a 1993 murder in Seminole County.
The Supreme Court posted a document on its website detailing Tanzi’s warrant, signed by DeSantis, though a full copy was not immediately available. The filing outlined a timeline for anticipated legal proceedings leading up to the execution date.
READ: Florida Death Row Inmate’s Troubled Past Fuels Appeal To Halt Execution
Tanzi, now 47 and housed at Florida State Prison, was convicted of abducting Acosta, a 35-year-old mother, from her van during her lunch break in Miami on April 25, 2000. Court records from prior appeals reveal that Tanzi assaulted her, drove her to the Florida Keys, strangled her, and dumped her body in a remote area. The case drew significant attention due to its brutality and Tanzi’s subsequent confession after Acosta’s remains were found weeks later.
James’ execution, if carried out next week, will mark Florida’s second use of lethal injection in 2025, following a steady pace of capital punishment under DeSantis’ administration.
James was convicted of murdering an elderly woman during a robbery in Seminole County, a crime that landed him on death row over three decades ago. The tandem warrants underscore DeSantis’ aggressive stance on the death penalty, having signed more execution orders than any Florida governor in recent history since taking office in 2019.
READ: Florida Death Row Inmate’s Attorney Seeks To Halt Execution, Citing Constitutional Violations
Tanzi’s legal journey has spanned over two decades, with multiple appeals challenging his conviction and sentence. His defense previously argued issues of mental competency and ineffective counsel, but the courts upheld his death sentence. With the warrant now signed, his legal team is expected to file motions for a stay, likely citing ongoing debates over Florida’s lethal injection protocol, which has faced scrutiny for potential Eighth Amendment violations.
DeSantis’ office did not immediately comment on the Tanzi warrant, though the governor has consistently framed capital punishment as a tool for justice and deterrence. The Florida Department of Corrections, which oversees executions, confirmed Tanzi’s status but offered no further details on preparations.
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