Florida Governor Halts Execution of Inmate After 50 Years

WHO:

ABC News - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis withdrew the death warrant for William Lee Thompson.

NY Post - William Lee Thompson is identified as one of Florida's longest-serving death row inmates.

WHAT:

ABC News - The execution of William Lee Thompson has been halted.

NY Post - Thompson was convicted of a torture murder 50 years ago and was scheduled for execution five days prior to the withdrawal of the death warrant.

WHERE:

NY Post - The events are taking place in Florida.

WHEN:

NY Post - The death warrant was withdrawn on a Thursday, just five days before Thompson's scheduled execution.

WHY:

NY Post - Reports indicate that William Lee Thompson is suffering from dementia, which contributed to the decision to withdraw the death warrant.

HOW:

ABC News - The method of halting the execution was through the withdrawal of the death warrant by Governor Ron DeSantis.

(UPDATED October 9, 2026 17:05 UTC)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has withdrawn the death warrant for William Lee Thompson, halting his execution just five days before it was scheduled to take place. Thompson, one of the state's longest-serving death row inmates, was convicted of a torture murder 50 years ago and is reportedly suffering from dementia, which influenced the decision. The withdrawal of the death warrant was officially announced by ABC News and the New York Post.