Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release

April 16, 2008
Media Contact: Sandi Copes
Phone: (850) 245-0150

Attorney General’s Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court's Ruling on Lethal Injection

~ Based on decision, Florida’s Schwab case may now move forward ~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on lethal injection:

“I am pleased that through this ruling by the United States Supreme Court, the family of Junny Rios-Martinez finally has the opportunity to see justice served. I am equally gratified to see our belief that the procedures used to carry out lethal injection in Florida are constitutionally sound has been upheld by the highest legal authority in the nation, based on today’s ruling on the Kentucky case which mirrors Florida's lethal injection procedures.”

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision is available online at: http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/07-5439.pdf. Florida's response to Schwab's case is due in early May, but in light of today's ruling, will likely be filed sooner.