On May 1, 2023, Jeffrey Hutchinson, a 59-year-old Gulf War Army veteran, is set to be executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison, located near Starke. This execution marks the fourth death warrant signed this year by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Background of the Case

Hutchinson was convicted of the brutal slayings of his girlfriend, Renee Flaherty, and her three children—Geoffrey, 9; Amanda, 7; and Logan, 4—in a tragic incident that occurred on September 11, 1998, in Crestview, Florida. Following an argument with Flaherty, Hutchinson left for a bar. Witnesses reported his erratic behavior, including comments about the dispute.

The Night of the Tragedy

Approximately 40 minutes after leaving the bar, Hutchinson called 911, saying, “I just shot my family.” Responding officers found Flaherty and her children dead from gunshot wounds. Hutchinson was located in the garage, still on the phone with the 911 operator, leading police to recover a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun from a kitchen counter. Additionally, gunshot residue was found on Hutchinson’s hands.

Legal Proceedings and Appeals

Hutchinson’s case underwent significant legal scrutiny, culminating in his appeals being rejected by the Florida Supreme Court in 2022. His defense argued that new evidence might exonerate him, yet these claims were dismissed. During the trial, Hutchinson maintained his innocence, stating, “I did not kill Renee and the kids and I believe I was framed.” Furthermore, the judge noted Hutchinson’s military service and a diagnosis of Gulf War Illness, which is associated with various health issues.

Recent Executions in Florida

Hutchinson’s upcoming execution follows several others in Florida this year. Notably, Edward James, 63, was executed on March 20 for the 1993 murder of an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother, while James Dennis Ford, 64, was put to death on February 13 for a double homicide in 1997. Another inmate, Michael Tanzi, 48, is scheduled for execution on April 8 for a kidnapping and murder case from 2000.