NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsSeptember 1, 2026Hillsborough
Florida schedules execution of Harold Gene Lucas
The state of Florida is set to execute Harold Gene Lucas via lethal injection on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Florida State Prison. Lucas, who has been on death row since 1977 for a 1976 murder, waived his right to further appeals.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
This execution marks the 14th carried out in Florida this year, contributing to the state's status as the most active jurisdiction for capital punishment in the U.S. in 2025.
Key Facts
- Harold Gene Lucas is scheduled for execution on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Florida State Prison.
- This will be the 14th execution in Florida in 2025.
- Lucas was convicted of the 1976 murder of Jill Piper and the attempted murder of two others.
- Lucas was sentenced to death five separate times between 1977 and 1990 due to various court rulings.
- Lucas waived all further appeals, stating he was tired of the process.
- Florida has carried out 19 executions in 2025, representing more than half of the 23 total executions in the U.S. this year.
- Governor Ron DeSantis has signed death warrants for two additional executions scheduled for later in September.
- Daniel Owen Conahan Jr. is scheduled for execution on Sept. 10.
- Curtis Wilkie Beasley is scheduled for execution on Sept. 29.
- Florida executions utilize a three-drug protocol: a sedative, a paralytic, and a heart-stopping agent.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who signed the death warrant.”personDaniel Owen Conahan Jr.“Inmate scheduled for execution on Sept. 10.”personJill Piper“Victim of the 1976 murder.”personHarold Gene Lucas“Death row inmate scheduled for execution.”locationFlorida State Prison“Site of the scheduled execution.”personCurtis Wilkie Beasley“Inmate scheduled for execution on Sept. 29.”