Florida Executes Richard Barry Randolph
On Thursday, Florida carried out the execution of Richard Barry Randolph, a man sentenced for the rape and murder of a former convenience store manager in 1988. This marked the state’s 17th execution of the year.
At 6:12 p.m., corrections officials confirmed that Randolph, 63, was pronounced dead after receiving a three-drug lethal injection at the Florida State Penitentiary near Stark, as reported by the governor’s office.
Randolph was convicted in 1989 for murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and grand larceny, receiving the death penalty as part of his sentence. A spokesperson for Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the execution went smoothly, and there were no last words from Randolph.
On the day of his execution, Randolph had a cheeseburger, fries, and ice cream for breakfast. He had one visitor but did not meet with his spiritual advisor. Three family members of the victim were present for the execution proceedings.
This latest execution raises Florida’s total to 17 for the year, surpassing the previous record of eight executions in 2014 since the death penalty was reinstated in the U.S. in 1976.
Court records reveal that Randolph attempted to break into a safe at a aforementioned convenience store in August 1988. He was confronted by his former manager, Minnie Ruth McCallum, which led to a violent encounter.
Randolph reportedly beat, strangled, stabbed, and sexually assaulted McCallum before fleeing. Witnesses saw him leave and, noticing something was wrong, contacted law enforcement. Deputies found McCallum alive, but she died six days later due to severe brain injuries.
Shortly after the crime, Randolph was arrested while trying to cash in stolen lottery tickets. During the investigation, he admitted to the assault and provided evidence by showing his blood-stained clothing.
Recently, the Florida Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by Randolph aimed at overturning his conviction. He argued that he was denied access to public records and that his attorneys acted without his approval.
Florida has executed more individuals this year than any other state, with Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas each following with five executions. Under signed death warrants from Governor DeSantis, two more executions are scheduled for next month.
Mark Allen Geralds, 58, is set to be executed on December 9 for murdering a woman during a home invasion. Frank Asen Walls, also 58, is scheduled for December 18 after being convicted of double homicide in another robbery and confessing to three additional murders.
The state’s lethal injection procedure involves a combination of sedatives, paralytics, and drugs that induce cardiac arrest.
