Violent crime exists in our society, and the state has the right and duty to protect its citizens and to enforce the law and punish criminals. But we are today able to protect society and can do so without denying criminals a chance to reform. We diminish ourselves as a people when we take away the dignity of human life, even from one who has committed serious evil. Since 1994, Florida has had an alternative to capital punishment, that of life imprisonment with no chance of parole. We urge a consensus toward this alternative, and a show of respect for all life, even for those who have not shown respect for others.
Violence can only breed more violence.
We must put an end to the killing, especially this particular killing, over which we have control. We appeal to the Governor, the Cabinet and the courts for mercy and a stay of this sentence.