Key facts
- Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, was executed by lethal injection in Florida on Thursday.
- Spencer was convicted of the 1992 stabbing death of his wife, Karen.
- He is the oldest person to be executed in Florida's modern history.
- Another 74-year-old inmate is scheduled for execution next month.
- The execution was pronounced complete at 6:10 p.m. EST.
Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, became the oldest person executed in Florida's modern history on Thursday, following his conviction for the 1992 stabbing death of his wife, Karen. He was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. EST after a three-drug lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke.
Spencer delivered a final statement expressing sorrow to the victim's family and stating, “Into thy hands I commit my spirit and my soul. I’m on my way, Lord. I’m on my way. Amen.” His spiritual adviser was present during the execution.
Florida Department of Correction records indicate that prior to Spencer's execution, the oldest inmates executed in the state's modern history were both 72 years old. One was Samuel Lee Smithers, executed on October 14, 2025, for the 1996 killings of two women. The other was R. Charlie Gifford, executed on February 21, 1951, for the 1950 shooting death of state lawmaker Charles Schuh Jr.
Alex Lanfranconi, representing Governor Ron DeSantis's office, confirmed to The Associated Press via text message that the execution proceeded without complications. The family of the victim did not release a statement. Florida is scheduled to execute another 74-year-old inmate next month.