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October 17, 2019Governor DeSantis has signed a third death warrant since taking office in January 2019. James Dailey, sentenced to death for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio, is scheduled to be executed on November 7. If carried out, this will be the 100th execution in Florida since the reinstatement of the death penalty in the 1970s.
Dailey, a Catholic and veteran, has a strong case for innocence. Prosecutors have conceded that there is no physical evidence tying him to Boggio's murder. The co-defendant in the case (who received a life sentence) has signed a sworn affidavit stating that he committed the crime and acted alone. However, the Florida Supreme Court has rejected Dailey's appeals and denied a new trial based on procedural time bars.
The violent murder of Shelly Boggio cries out for justice. However, taking a life to punish and teach that killing is wrong perpetuates violence, is unnecessary, and would only further the tremendous harm that has been done. The direct killing of the innocent is always wrong and an intrinsic evil. There is too much doubt as to Dailey's guilt in this case to proceed with his execution.
In the coming days, subscribers of the Florida Catholic Advocacy Network (FLCAN) will be provided an opportunity through an action alert to implore the governor to stop the execution of James Dailey.
