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Is there such a thing as being too old to execute? Aging death row inmates are set to die in Florida
By David Fischer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 5 min read
The last prisoner strapped to a table in Florida’s death chamber was 74 years old — the oldest the state has executed in modern times. The next two set to die are older still.The series of executions, due to be carried out by the end of this month, highlights the nation’s aging death-row populati...
Key takeaway One of Florida's prisoners scheduled to die in July, a man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend's parents in 1986, is 80 years old and would be only the second known octogenarian to be executed in the U.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The executions in Florida raise questions about the practical implications for Texas, which also has a significant number of aging death row inmates. As the nation's attention turns to the ethics of executing elderly prisoners, San Antonio residents may wonder how this issue affects their own community. Bexar County, where San Antonio is located, has seen its share of capital punishment cases, and the lengthy appeals process can be a concern for local families of victims and inmates alike. The fact that some inmates are nearing the end of their natural lives while awaiting execution may prompt local discussions about the humanity and efficacy of capital punishment in Texas, particularly in light of the Catholic Church's opposition to the practice, which may resonate with San Antonio's sizable Catholic population.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The last prisoner strapped to a table in Florida’s death chamber was 74 years old — the oldest the state has executed in modern times. The next two set to die are older still.The series of executions, due to be carried out by the end of this month, highlights the nation’s aging death-row populati...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by David Fischer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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