Wayne Tompkins is scheduled to be executed in Florida at 6 pm on February 11 despite evidence that he could be innocent. Tompkins was sentenced to death for a murder in which even the victim’s death is in question. The body used as evidence in the case was identified by partial dental records matching one tooth, and several individuals have signed affidavits saying they saw the victim alive after the alleged murder. Gov. Crist could stay the execution.
Update: Wayne Tompkins was executed on February 11.
(Press Release, “Innocence Project of Florida Urges Governor to Stay Wayne Tompkins’ Execution,” Innocence Project of Florida, February 10, 2009). This would be Florida’s first execution in 2009. There have been 10 executions in the U.S. this year, all in the South, including 7 in Texas. Florida has had the most inmates from death row exonerated since 1973. See Innocence.
