Duckett’s Execution Set Amid DNA Dispute | Miami News

Florida’s governor has signed a death warrant for James Aren Duckett, a former cop convicted in 1987 of raping, strangling, and drowning 11-year-old Teresa McAbee — setting the stage for two executions on July 28th. Duckett, 68, had his March 31st execution halted for DNA testing, which yielded inconclusive results due to state lab choices — a move his lawyers say undermined their case. Despite no new evidence of innocence, the court ruled no further delays were justified. His team plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and criticizes scheduling his death on the same day as 80-year-old Dominick Anthony Occhicone, who murdered his ex-girlfriend’s parents decades ago. Both men now face execution within a four-day window, following Florida’s 10th execution of the year just one week prior. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/67825363ffa65953