Loran Cole, 57, is facing execution in Florida, set for Thursday, for the 1994 murder of 18-year-old John Edwards and the assault on his sister. The execution is scheduled for after 6:00 p.m. local time.
The death penalty remains a hotly debated issue in the U.S. Supporters believe it deters crime and serves justice, while critics raise concerns about wrongful convictions, racial bias, and morality in state-sanctioned executions. Currently, the death penalty remains legal in 21 states, with Florida housing a death row population of 288 as reported by the Death Penalty Information Center.
However, some states have recently abolished the death penalty. States like Washington, Virginia, and New Hampshire have made significant changes in this area. Others, such as California and Pennsylvania, have temporarily halted executions through executive orders.
States That Still Use the Death Penalty
The following states continue to enforce capital punishment:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Oklahoma
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Wyoming
States Without the Death Penalty
No death penalty exists in the following states:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
States Where the Death Penalty is On Hold
These states have suspended capital punishment through executive measures:
- Arizona
- California
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
Recently, Wade Wilson was sentenced to death in Florida for the 2019 murders of Kristine Meton and Diane Ruiz following a majority jury recommendation.
Public opinion is varied; some support individuals on death row, while others view their actions as controversial. “There are a lot of voices in this conversation,” said Shirley, commenting on the communications and donations circulating for cases like Wilson’s.