Florida Executes First Inmate of 2026; Case Details
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STARKE, Fla. Authorities executed Ronald Palmer Heath Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison, carrying out the state's first lethal injection of 2026. Heath, 64, was convicted in 1990 for the 1989 murder, robbery and related charges in the death of traveling salesman Michael Sheridan. The execution followed Florida's record 19 executions in 2025; two additional executions are scheduled in the coming weeks. Opponents including faith leaders urged clemency. Officials reported Heath was pronounced dead after a three-drug injection beginning at 6 p.m., as confirmed by records. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- May 1989 — Heath and his brother met Michael Sheridan; the group traveled and Sheridan was killed.
- 1990 — Ronald Palmer Heath was convicted of first-degree murder, robbery with a deadly weapon and related charges.
- 2025 — Florida carried out a record 19 executions in the calendar year.
- Early February 2026 — Multiple executions were scheduled for upcoming weeks in Florida.
- 11 February 2026 — Authorities executed Ronald Palmer Heath by three-drug lethal injection; death pronounced at 6:12 p.m.
- Articles Published:
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- Left Leaning:
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- Neutral:
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- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
State officials and supporters of capital punishment saw the scheduled execution carried out under Florida law and protocol.
Ronald Palmer Heath, his family, and those opposed to the death penalty experienced the permanent loss and emotional consequences of the execution.
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Florida Executes First Inmate of 2026; Case Details
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