Brad Keith Sigmon was executed by a firing squad in South Carolina for the murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001. Michael Tanzi is scheduled to be executed in Florida for the murder of Janet Acosta, a beloved Miami Herald employee attacked on her lunch break in 2000. Tanzi’s lawyers have argued against the execution, citing developmental issues and health problems. Acosta’s family remembers her as a kind person who loved to travel and had a dog named Murphy Brown.
Tanzi confessed to raping and killing Acosta, burying her in a secluded area in Cudjoe Key after forcing her to withdraw money using her ATM card. He spent the following days shopping and was eventually arrested in Acosta’s van. Tanzi also confessed to another murder in Massachusetts but was never tried for it due to his death sentence for Acosta’s murder.
Acosta’s sister described her as a gentle soul who was always there for her family and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Tanzi’s childhood was marked by abuse and instability, including sexual molestation and physical abuse by his father, leading to disruptive behavior.
Tanzi’s lawyers have argued that his execution would be torturous due to his health condition and obesity, but the Florida Supreme Court rejected these concerns. His last hope for a reprieve lies with the U.S. Supreme Court or a pardon from Governor Ron DeSantis. Tanzi is set to be executed in Florida State Prison on April 8, becoming the 11th inmate executed in the U.S. this year.