Amidst the rise in murder cases, the Florida government executed Michael Tanzi, the man who was convicted for the murder of Janet Acosta, on Tuesday evening at the Florida state prison. Acosta was a production worker at the Miami Herald and was carjacked during her lunch break.
She was tortured and killed on April 25, 2000, in her van, robbed of about $53, and then driven to the Florida Keys, where Tanzi gagged her before leaving her body in a brutal condition on an isolated island.
As per USA Today, when Acosta didn’t show up to her job on the production staff at the Herald, her co-workers were concerned, and a search was launched. Eventually, it was Tanzi who would lead police to where he buried her body over 100 miles away.
48-year-old Michael Tanzi was given a lethal injection (Florida uses a three-drug combination for its lethal injections, including a sedative, a drug that paralyzes, and a drug that halts the heart) and was pronounced dead at 6:12 pm following the execution.
The outlet reported that in his final statement before death, Tanzi apologized to the victim’s family and read a bible verse before the drugs were injected. The US Supreme Court rejected a request from Tanzi’s attorneys to block the execution on the grounds of Tanzi being morbidly obese on Tuesday afternoon.
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As per Tyla, on the day of the execution, Ted Veerman, a corrections department spokesperson, said that Michael Tanzi woke up at 4:45 am and reportedly had one visitor whom he met. Then, he had a final meal that included a pork chop, bacon, corn, ice cream, and a candy bar. He then recited a bible verse: “Heavenly Father, please do not blame those who do not know what they’re doing.” Additionally, Veeran claimed that he was calm and remained in good spirits.
After Tanzi’s death, Janet Acosta’s family voiced relief. Her sister, Julie Andrew, who witnessed the execution, said that she’s glad Janet found her deserved justice. “My heart felt lighter, and I can breathe again,” she added. Similarly, Janet’s niece told The Guardian, “This is the culmination of more than two decades of work to get justice for Janet.”
As per the court records received by USA Today, Acosta was a world wanderer who loved hiking and the outdoors. She was so strong and adventurous that she once ran a marathon with a kidney infection. She loved her peaceful time and would often visit the park next to the Japanese Rock Gardens to eat, nap, and enjoy her solitude.
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Her sister Julie Andrew’s testimony revealed that Acosta was the middle of three sisters: Joanie, Janet, and Julie. Reportedly, as Janet’s parents had alcoholism, she was raised by Julie. The three sisters shared a close bond. Meanwhile, witnessing increased crime cases in Florida raises safety concerns.
Last month, Edward James, a 63-year-old man who was charged with killing and rap—ng an 8-year-old girl, along with her grandmother, was executed after Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant.
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So far in 2025, eight people have been executed across America, including two in South Carolina, two in Texas, and one each in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. It’s good to see justice prevail upon the innocent lives being lost, and our hearts go out to the families of the victims.
