From Rolling Stone · Brenna Ehrlich · · 1m 40s
Florida's Execution Spree Threatens Innocent Man
Florida's execution spree risks killing an innocent man despite his claims of innocence.
In brief
Florida's execution spree risks killing an innocent man despite his claims of innocence. Jason Derrick, 59, faces execution in Florida despite claiming innocence for a 1987 murder he says he didn't commit. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Jason Derrick's Early Memories
Shawn Derrick recalls visiting his father in prison as a child, playing tag with him.
“I remember having to go through a strip search when I was still in diapers at the state prison”
Jason Derrick's Prison Sentence
Jason Derrick, 59, was sentenced to death for the 1987 stabbing murder of Rama Sharma.
“Jason Derrick, 59, was sentenced to death for the 1987 stabbing murder of Rama Sharma”
Family's Concerns
Shawn Derrick, 39, believes his father is innocent despite his prison sentence.
“I remember my teacher saying, Oh, honey, people don’t go to jail forever for wrecking cars”
Florida's Execution Spree
Florida has executed 37 people in the past two years, with 18 as of October 2026.
“Over the past two years, Florida has executed 37 people”
Death Penalty Laws
Florida requires a unanimous jury vote on at least one aggravating factor for death sentences.
“As of April 2, 2023, to hand down a death sentence, the jury must unanimously agree on at least one aggravating factor”
Exoneration Rates
Florida has 30 exonerees since 1973, the most in any U.S. state.
“There have been 30 exonerees since 1973”
Governor DeSantis' Role
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed death warrants for inmates who have completed direct appeals.
“DeSantis has refused to share information about why he has scheduled so many executions this year”
Elderly Executions
Florida executed 80-year-old Dominick Occhicone, the oldest person on death row since 1987.
“He’d been on death row since 1987”
Veterans Executed
DeSantis ordered the execution of 14 veterans, including Vietnam vet Williams Reeves Jr.
“As of this week, DeSantis has also ordered the execution of 14 veterans”
William Lee Thompson
William Lee Thompson was spared execution due to dementia concerns.
“DeSantis only halted one execution over his nearly eight years in office”
Political Motivations
Critics claim DeSantis' execution pace aligns with Trump's death penalty policies.
“I can’t tell you what’s motivating Governor DeSantis”
Innocence Project Findings
DNA evidence shows Jason Derrick did not commit the 1987 murder.
“In 2008, the Innocence Project discovered that the DNA found under Sharma’s nails didn’t belong to Derrick”
Jason Derrick's Claim of Innocence
Jason Derrick claims he was framed and confessed under duress.
“Jason Derrick was arrested for the June 25, 1987 murder of Rama Sharma”
What Happens Next
Jason Derrick's family fears his execution could happen before he's cleared.
“Shawn Derrick is pro-death penalty, but is convinced his father is innocent, and he’s not alone”
At a glance
Jason Derrick, 59, faces execution in Florida despite claiming innocence for a 1987 murder he says he didn't commit.
