Death Penalty

Prosecutors in San Diego are seeking the death penalty against Leticia McCormack. She faces accusations of fatally starving and torturing her adopted 11-year-old daughter, Arabella.

San Diego prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Leticia McCormack. She is accused of fatally starving and torturing her adopted daughter, Arabella. The charges relate to the death of the 11-year-old girl.

Mecklenburg County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Tonya McKnight for the murder of 6-year-old Dominique Moody. This prosecution marks the first time the county has pursued capital punishment in nearly a decade.

Lebanon’s parliament voted to abolish the death penalty, making it the first country in the Arab world to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment and aggravated hard labor. Justice Minister Adel Nassar called the vote a “historic step,” which was celebrated by rights groups. The move comes amidst debates over a general amnesty law that could release convicted militants.

Lebanon's parliament has abolished the death penalty, marking it as the first Arab country to make such a change. The law replaces the death penalty with life imprisonment and aggravated hard labor.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has stated that executions will continue despite growing calls for a moratorium following a failed execution attempt in May. The Tennessee Department of Correction is scheduled to execute Anthony Hines next Thursday, and multiple groups, including defense attorneys and medical professionals, have urged investigations into the state's lethal injection process.

Clarence Frazier, Jr. has been federally indicted for the murder of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson in Alexandria, Louisiana. Frazier is also charged with attempted murder of a task force officer after firing shots during a warrant service for a sexual battery case.

The UN reported that Iran executed at least 56 people since 19 March, including 27 in cases related to protests earlier this year. UN human rights chief Volker Turk noted an increase in executions and death sentences since March and urged Iran to halt executions and abolish the death penalty.

Sheikh Hasina, a former prime minister, is set to speak today, likely announcing her return from exile in India despite facing the death penalty.

A Tennessee jury sentenced Nathanial Pipkin to death for killing his mother, brother, and 11-year-old sister in 2021, along with attempting to kill his stepfather. Pipkin fled the scene wearing ballistic armor and was captured 100 miles away with multiple weapons in his car.

A leader from the political group 'Restore' has proposed a pact with 'Reform' to unite the 'patriotic Right'. The proposal includes banning the burka, holding a referendum on the death penalty, and sidelining Tory defectors.

Bryan Kohberger's former defense expert, Sy Ray, advocates for the death penalty and claims investigators missed key evidence in the Idaho murders case. Ray, a digital forensics expert, asserts Kohberger's smartphone data is more incriminating than previously revealed, contradicting his earlier expert report. Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, now seeks to withdraw his plea and retry the case.

Bryan Kohberger, a doctoral student in criminology, seeks to withdraw his guilty plea in the Idaho murders case, potentially leading to a new trial and reinstating a death penalty. The move has sparked reactions from victims' families who wanted a jury conviction and death sentence.

Bryan Kohberger, convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students, seeks to withdraw his guilty plea and pursue a new trial. His petition raises the possibility of a death penalty sentence, which some family members may support. The move could also be seen as an attempt to control the narrative and prolong the families' grief.

Kansas voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to elect Supreme Court justices instead of having them appointed by the governor. Republicans, including Senate President Ty Masterson, argue this shift is needed due to disagreements over rulings on issues like abortion, school funding, and gender-affirming care for minors. Opponents, including Governor Laura Kelly, warn the change could increase partisan influence and judicial independence concerns.

Nathanial Pipken was convicted of murdering his mother, brother, and 11-year-old sister, and attempting to kill his stepfather in Maury County in 2021. The district attorney’s office is seeking the death penalty for Pipken during the upcoming sentencing phase.

Florida executed James Aren Duckett, a former police officer convicted of murdering an 11-year-old girl in 1987, and planned to execute Dominick Anthony Occhicone, who killed his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 1986. This marked the first time Florida carried out two executions in a single day, with Governor Ron DeSantis overseeing a surge in state executions.

Bryan Kohberger is attempting to withdraw his guilty plea for the murders of four University of Idaho students, which could reopen the case if a judge approves. A new bill is being targeted at high-tech 'flock' police cameras.

Florida plans to execute two inmates on the same day for the first time in nearly a decade, with James Aren Duckett and Dominick Anthony Occhicone scheduled for lethal injection. Duckett, a former police officer, was convicted of murdering an 11-year-old girl in 1987, while Occhicone was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend's parents in 1986. Governor Ron DeSantis has overseen a record number of executions in recent years, with 19 in 2025 alone.

Myanmar has approved the death penalty for forced scam labor and life imprisonment for cryptocurrency fraud. The United Nations estimates that scam operations in the region caused up to $114 billion in losses in 2025.

Florida is scheduled to execute two inmates on Tuesday, including an ex-police officer convicted of a 1987 murder and an 80-year-old man who would be the second-oldest executed in U.S. history. Both had their appeals denied by the Florida Supreme Court. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has increased the execution rate, overseeing 19 executions in 2025.

Florida plans two lethal injections on Tuesday for James Aren Duckett and Dominick Anthony Occhicone, with Occhicone becoming the second-oldest inmate executed in modern U.S. history. Both men were denied appeals after being convicted for violent crimes in the 1980s.

Nathanial Pipkin is set to stand trial for allegedly shooting and killing three family members, including his mother and an 11-year-old girl, in Maury County in 2021. The trial, which began this week, could last three weeks, and a guilty verdict may result in the death penalty.

China has charged Chen Zhi, alleged founder of an online scam network, with intentional injury, potentially subjecting him to the death penalty. Chen, extradited from Cambodia six months ago, was formally arrested on July 6 and linked to the Cambodian Prince Group, which authorities associate with the scam network.

Lee Gilley faces a capital murder charge in Harris County for allegedly killing his pregnant wife in their home in 2024. His extradition is delayed as an Italian court questions whether the death penalty is applicable.

The SSS is advocating for the death penalty for Ansaru commanders responsible for beheading two Oriire teachers, highlighting Nigeria's ongoing debate over capital punishment for terrorism-related crimes. The push challenges the adequacy of life sentences in delivering justice for the victims.

The SSS has vowed to appeal the life sentences given to two Ansaru commanders, deeming the punishment too lenient for their alleged crimes and seeking the death penalty instead.

The court in the Pothundy double murder case sentenced the perpetrator to death and directed the District Legal Services Authority, Palakkad, to initiate rehabilitation measures for the orphaned children of the victims. Legal experts noted that such a specific focus on victim family rehabilitation is rare in criminal judgments.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes tied to the July-August 2024 uprising, with the title suggesting courts are being used as weapons.

The European Union has emphasized that Pakistan must reapply for GSP-Plus benefits by 2028 under new trade rules, requiring reforms in labor, human rights, and environmental policies to retain preferential market access. Pakistan’s textile sector, a major beneficiary, faces significant economic risks if the GSP-Plus is lost, as it supports millions of livelihoods.

Florida is set to execute two death row inmates, James Aren Duckett and Dominick Anthony Occhicone, on July 28 for the first time in over 60 years. Duckett, a former police officer convicted of murdering an 11-year-old girl in 1987, and Occhicone, convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 1986, would be the 11th and 12th inmates executed in Florida this year if the scheduled executions proceed.

Florida is set to execute two death row inmates, James Aren Duckett and Dominick Anthony Occhicone, on July 28, marking the first time in over 60 years the state has carried out double executions. Duckett was convicted for killing an 11-year-old girl in 1987, while Occhicone was convicted for murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 1986. Governor Ron DeSantis signed death warrants for both, with appeals pending at the U.S. Supreme Court.

A public defender faced criticism for a crass celebration after successfully preventing the death penalty for her client, who was convicted of murdering a 93-year-old woman. The case highlights controversy over the defender's reaction to the legal outcome.

The sentencing for Chenthamara in the Pothundy double murder case has been postponed to Monday. Prosecution is requesting the death penalty, while the defense is seeking life imprisonment or lesser punishments.

Frazier is charged with the murder of a federal officer and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.

A federal agent was fatally shot by Clarence Frazier Jr., who is charged with murder for the killing of deputy US marshal Drew Hanson. Frazier could face the death penalty if convicted. The incident occurred while authorities were attempting to capture Frazier, who had failed to appear for his sexual battery trial.

Florida is set to execute 74-year-old Dennis Sochor, who would become the oldest inmate executed in the state's modern history. He is among three older death row inmates scheduled for execution within a month, highlighting Florida's active death penalty schedule and aging prison population. Sochor was convicted of a 1982 murder, and the state Supreme Court recently denied his appeals.

Florida is set to execute Dennis Sochor, a 74-year-old death row inmate, making him the oldest person executed in the state's modern history. The state also plans to execute an 80-year-old prisoner later this month, highlighting an aging death row population and Florida's active use of the death penalty with nine executions this year.

Tennessee Republican gubernatorial candidates Marsha Blackburn and John Rose disagree on death penalty methods, with Blackburn advocating for reinstating the electric chair and Rose supporting lethal injection. The state allows death row inmates to request electrocution if lethal injection drugs are unavailable, and recent issues with an execution protocol have sparked debate.

Florida is set to execute a 74-year-old prisoner, making him the oldest inmate in over a century to receive the state's death penalty. The execution follows another recent execution of an inmate who was previously the oldest to be sentenced to death.