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Ron DeSantis withdraws death warrant for Florida inmate convicted in 1976 murder

The governor provided no official reason after defense counsel raised concerns regarding dementia and heart failure.

Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 18:17 UTC4 reports

The short version

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis halted the upcoming Tuesday execution of 74-year-old William Lee Thompson by withdrawing his death warrant.[CBS News]
DeSantis offered no explanation in his letter to the prison warden, though he had previously ordered a psychiatric evaluation after defense claims of insanity.[CBS News]
Thompson's attorney welcomed the decision, citing the inmate's severe health issues including dementia and heart failure.[CBS News · Associated Press]
The Florida Supreme Court had rejected Thompson's motion for a stay just hours prior to DeSantis' intervention.[CBS News]

Gov. Ron DeSantis withdrew the death warrant for 74-year-old William Lee Thompson, canceling an execution scheduled for Tuesday.[CBS News · Associated Press]
DeSantis provided no explanation for canceling the execution in his letter to Florida State Prison Warden Randall Polk.[CBS News · Associated Press]
Thompson's defense counsel and death penalty opponents reported the inmate suffers from health problems including dementia and heart failure.[CBS News · Associated Press]
DeSantis previously ordered a three-member panel of psychiatrists to assess Thompson after his counsel alleged he might be insane.[CBS News]
The Florida Supreme Court had denied a motion by Thompson to stay his execution hours before the governor intervened.[CBS News]

The governor did not publicly disclose the official reason for withdrawing the warrant or the findings of the psychiatric evaluation.[CBS News · Associated Press]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.