Today is March 2, 2026, and Fort Pierce is bracing itself for a significant moment in local history. On March 3, 2026, Billy Leon Kearse, convicted of murdering Fort Pierce Police Officer Danny Parrish, is set to be executed at Florida State Prison in Raiford. This execution marks the culmination of a long, drawn-out legal battle that has spanned over three decades.

Officer Danny Parrish was tragically killed on January 18, 1991, during a routine traffic stop. At just 29 years old, Parrish was shot more than a dozen times by Kearse, who was only 18 at the time. The encounter escalated when Parrish attempted to arrest Kearse for driving without a license; Kearse struggled for the officer’s service weapon before fatally shooting him. Following the incident, Kearse was convicted of first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm in October 1991. He was sentenced to death in March 1997.

The Long Road to Justice

The legal journey surrounding Kearse’s case has been anything but straightforward. State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl noted that it has gone before the Florida Supreme Court a staggering 11 times and the U.S. Supreme Court three times. This lengthy process has left many, including Bakkedahl and retired Deputy Chief Greg Kirk of the Fort Pierce Police, frustrated with the inefficiencies of the criminal justice system. Bakkedahl emphasized the need for timely resolutions, especially in death penalty cases.

For Parrish’s family, the pain of loss remains fresh even after all these years. Grace Blanton, Parrish’s sister, recalls how the tragedy “destroyed” their parents, leading her and her husband to relocate to Murphy, North Carolina, to escape the painful reminders. She last saw her brother on Christmas Eve in 1990, and his room has since become a shrine in their parents’ house. Blanton has marked Kearse’s execution date on her calendar but is conflicted about attending due to her husband’s health.

A Community’s Response

The impact of Officer Parrish’s death has rippled throughout the community. His widow, Mirtha Busbin, who also serves as a victim advocate, expressed mixed feelings about Kearse’s execution. While she seeks closure after 35 years, she acknowledges the complexity of the emotions involved. “It’s needed for closure, but it’s a complicated feeling,” she stated.

In honor of Parrish’s sacrifice, a life-size bronze sculpture of him was unveiled in October 2022, and a park was dedicated in his memory. He became the fourth Fort Pierce officer killed in the line of duty, a tragic distinction that underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face every day.

The last execution related to the Treasure Coast occurred in 2012, when serial killer David Alan Gore was put to death. As the date of Kearse’s execution approaches, the community reflects on the legacy of Officer Danny Parrish and the enduring impact of his loss.

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For international perspectives on executions in the U.S., you can visit this link.