The State of Florida is set to carry out the execution of Loran Cole next Thursday, and there is still time to take action to halt this decision—but your involvement is crucial.
Why We Must Act Now
Governor Ron DeSantis holds the power to stop Loran Cole’s execution. As the key executive authority, he is the only one who can issue a stay of execution. On Monday, August 26, the Florida Alliance for Death Penalty (FADP) delivered thousands of signatures from concerned citizens across Florida to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency. This delivery was a pivotal moment in our collective effort to seek justice for Loran Cole.
If you missed the chance to sign the petition before Monday, don’t worry—there’s still an opportunity to make your voice heard. We are continuing to compile and send all collected petitions and letters directly to the governor and the Clemency Board. Your support is vital, and every signature, every message amplifies our call for justice.
How You Can Make a Difference
1. Send a Message to Governor DeSantis: Urge him to stay Cole’s execution and commute his sentence to life without parole. Your message can influence his decision and bring crucial attention to Cole’s case.
2. Participate in the Campaign: Join the ongoing movement by sending your support and voicing your concerns. Every letter and email reinforces our collective call for mercy and justice.
Context of Loran Cole’s Case
Loran Cole’s impending execution raises significant concerns about the fairness and integrity of the death penalty system. Cole’s life has been marked by severe trauma and abuse, particularly during his time at the notorious Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys—a reform school known for its horrific conditions. This background has profoundly impacted Cole’s life and actions, and many argue that his experiences should be taken into account when considering his case.
Join the Movement
Across the state and around the world, people are rallying to stop Cole’s execution and to call for a broader reevaluation of the death penalty. You can join this movement by:
- Sending a Message: Contact Governor DeSantis and urge him to halt Cole’s execution.
- Participating in Vigils: Attend one of the nearly 20 vigils organized across Florida or join online events with Death Penalty Action.
Take Action Today
Your involvement can make a crucial difference in the fight against Loran Cole’s execution. By sending a message to Governor DeSantis, participating in vigils, and supporting the movement for justice, you help ensure that every voice is heard and that the flaws in the system are addressed.
Act Now: Click here to send your message to Governor DeSantis and here to support the movement against the death penalty.
Your voice matters. Stand with us as we seek justice for Loran Cole and work towards a more equitable and humane legal system.
And, In a significant development for the justice system, Curtis Lee Ervin’s death sentence has been overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct, marking yet another case where the flaws in the capital punishment system have come to light. This decision underscores ongoing concerns about racial bias and procedural errors in death penalty cases.
Curtis Lee Ervin’s Case
Curtis Lee Ervin was sentenced to death in 1991 for the murder-for-hire of Carlene McDonald in 1986. On July 31, 2024, Federal Judge Vince Chhabria ruled that Ervin should either be released or retried within 60 days, following the concession by California Attorney General Rob Bonta that a Batson violation had occurred in Ervin’s case. Batson v. Kentucky (1986) prohibits the exclusion of jurors based on race, and the evidence revealed that prosecutors had systematically removed Jewish and Black jurors from Ervin’s jury pool, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Ervin, now 71, has spent 33 years on death row. His case is one of 35 death penalty cases under review in Alameda County due to prosecutorial misconduct. This misconduct includes the exclusion of jurors based on race and has led to calls for resentencing in several cases.
Broader Implications and Other Cases
Ervin’s case is the third to prompt motions for resentencing due to prosecutorial misconduct. Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has recently filed motions for resentencing in two other cases:
- Ernest Dykes: Sentenced to death in 1995 for the killing of nine-year-old Lance Clark in 1993, Dykes’s case was the initial catalyst for the investigation. Evidence showed prosecutors excluded Jewish and Black jurors. Dykes, now 51, could be resentenced and released on parole in June 2025. A decision on his resentencing is expected this month.
- Keith Thomas: Convicted in 1997 for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of 25-year-old Francia Young in 1992, Thomas’s case also revealed jury exclusion misconduct and racist imagery used by the prosecutor. Thomas, now 51, has been on death row for 27 years.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s office is conducting a thorough review of death penalty cases dating back 30 years. The investigation has uncovered systemic issues, including the exclusion of jurors based on race and the removal of racist and biased notations from case records. Seven prosecutors are under investigation for suspicion of misconduct, highlighting the need for continued scrutiny and reform.
Ongoing Struggles and Recent Developments
The case of Curtis Lee Ervin is part of a broader movement against the death penalty and prosecutorial misconduct. As discussions continue, several other significant cases are also drawing attention:
- Florida: State officials are planning to execute Loran Cole next Thursday. Advocates argue that Cole’s traumatic childhood at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, which included neglect and abuse, significantly influenced his life and actions. The call is for Governor Ron DeSantis to stay Cole’s execution and commute his sentence to life without parole.
- Alabama: The state is set to execute Alan Miller by nitrogen hypoxia in September and Carey Dale Grayson by the same method in November. The use of nitrogen hypoxia, a controversial method, has raised concerns about its potential for causing undue suffering. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed alarm over the method, and there are questions about its humane application.
- Texas: Robert Roberson is scheduled for execution on October 17. Roberson’s conviction for the death of his daughter, based on the now-discredited shaken baby syndrome theory, has sparked significant doubt and calls for reconsideration of his case.
- Georgia: Norma Padgett, whose false rape accusations led to the wrongful convictions and deaths of the Groveland Four, passed away last month. Her death highlights the enduring impact of false accusations and the need for justice and reconciliation.
Your Role in the Fight for Justice
The overturning of Curtis Lee Ervin’s death sentence is a powerful reminder of the ongoing issues within the capital punishment system. As we continue to seek justice and reform, your involvement is crucial. Support movements against the death penalty, advocate for fair treatment, and raise awareness about systemic issues.
Act Now:
- Support Loran Cole: Click here to sign the petition urging Governor DeSantis to stay Cole’s execution.
- Participate in Vigils: Join local or online vigils to show support and call for justice.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about the flaws in the death penalty system and advocate for reform.
Your actions can make a difference in the fight for a fair and just legal system. Stand with us as we seek to address these critical issues and work towards a more equitable future.