Duval County's Darkest Crimes: Meet Florida's Most Infamous Death Row Inmates

Jacksonville, Florida, USA - The landscape of capital punishment in Florida remains a contentious issue, particularly as the state prepares to execute an inmate for the first time since 2019. Recently, the Florida Times-Union highlighted five notable death row cases from Duval County, showcasing crimes that have left an indelible mark on the community. Currently, 34 inmates from Duval County alone await execution, reflecting a broader trend within Florida’s complex and often controversial application of the death penalty.

Capital felony convictions are eligible for the death penalty in Florida, a state that has actively pursued executions. Notable cases include:

Notorious Duval County Death Row Cases

• Donald Smith (Child Predator) – In 2013, Smith lured 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle from a Dollar General store. Tragically, he raped, strangled, and disposed of her body in a creek. A registered sex offender, Smith had been released from jail only three weeks prior. He has been on death row since May 3, 2018, and is currently 68 years old.
• David Sparre (Craigslist Killer) – Sparre was convicted of murdering 21-year-old Tiara Pool in 2010, stabbing her 89 times after meeting her through Craigslist. He claimed he killed her for the „rush.“ He has been on death row since April 2, 2012, currently 34 years old.
• Michael Jackson (Buried Alive Case) – In a harrowing crime from 2005, Jackson masterminded the murders of elderly couple Reggie and Carol Sumner, kidnapping and burying them alive. His death sentence was announced on August 30, 2007, and he is currently 43 years old.
• John Mosley Jr. (Baby Killer) – Mosley committed the unspeakable in 2004, strangling the mother of his child and leaving his infant son, Jay-Quan, to suffocate in a garbage bag. He has been on death row since July 3, 2006, and is now 60 years old.
• Pinkney Carter (America’s Most Wanted) – After killing three individuals in a domestic dispute in 2002, Carter evaded capture for two years, even fleeing to Mexico before his arrest in 2004. He has been on death row since December 27, 2005, and is currently 70 years old.

This series of cases highlights not just the severity of the crimes, but the ongoing dialogue around capital punishment in Florida. The state has seen a complicated and sometimes chaotic evolution in its death penalty policies.

Evolution of the Death Penalty in Florida

Florida’s journey through capital punishment is storied, with significant legislative changes shaping its current practice. As outlined by DeathPenaltyInfo.org, executions in Florida were historically conducted at the county level until 1923, when state control was established. Initially, executions were carried out by hanging; however, the method was switched to electrocution shortly after the state’s takeover.

Over the years, the state has been at the forefront of legal battles surrounding the death penalty. Notably, Florida was the first state to reinstate the death penalty after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in *Furman v. Georgia* led to a nationwide moratorium. The state also played a part in several landmark Supreme Court rulings that impacted death penalty procedures.

These include decisions that affirmed the need for a unanimous jury recommendation for death sentences—a rule recently challenged by new legislation allowing a simple majority. Such changes reflect a significant shift in the landscape of capital punishment, aiming to expedite the process while ensuring that justice is served.

Beneath the surface, there are broader implications. Florida stands out with over 30 exonerations from death row, the highest in the nation. This grim statistic highlights the potential for error and raises questions about the reliability of the system. The state has implemented several reforms aimed at addressing these concerns, albeit amid ongoing debates about the efficacy and morality of the death penalty.

Current Trends and Looking Ahead

As discussions about the future of the death penalty continue, recent laws have expanded its scope. The introduction of capital punishment for various offences, including child sexual assault and human trafficking, suggests a system that is still in flux, constantly adapting to societal pressures and legislative changes.

While support for the death penalty remains, a sizable portion of the population grapples with its implications. The upcoming execution in Jacksonville marks not only a significant event in the lives of the victims‘ families but also a moment of reflection on the state’s broader approach to justice and punishment.

In Florida, the death penalty is a reality that carries weight, complexity, and the potential for profound consequences. As we stand at the crossroads of history, one thing remains clear—this narrative is far from over.