Obesity Concerns Raise Execution Questions for Florida Inmate

Lawyers representing Michael Tanzi, a 48-year-old Florida man on death row, are urgently seeking to halt his scheduled execution on April 8th at Florida State Prison. They argue that Tanzi's significant health conditions, including morbid obesity and sciatica, pose a serious risk of complications during the lethal injection procedure, potentially causing him excruciating suffering.

A Plea for Stay of Execution

Tanzi was convicted in 2000 for the kidnapping and murder of Janet Acosta in Miami. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant on March 10th, but Tanzi's legal team has filed an appeal with the state's highest court, requesting a stay of execution. Their arguments center around the potential for inhumane suffering due to Tanzi's medical circumstances.

Concerns Over Lethal Injection Protocol

In their court documents, Tanzi's lawyers highlight his morbid obesity and sciatica as factors that could render Florida's lethal injection procedure ineffective and deeply painful. They express concern that the sedation drug might not fully incapacitate him, leaving him "paralyzed but aware" during the administration of the lethal chemicals. This, they argue, would violate the Eighth Amendment's protection against cruel and unusual punishment.

Risk of Severe Suffering

The lawyers further detail their concerns about the potential for severe complications during the execution. They claim that Tanzi's obesity, coupled with his acid reflux and sleep apnea, creates a high risk of pulmonary edema, suffocation, and aspiration of vomit if sedated in a prone position. They assert that his health conditions make it impossible for the state to carry out his execution humanely using the existing lethal injection protocol.

Difficulty Placing IV Lines

Adding to their concerns, Tanzi's legal team also points out the potential difficulty in placing the IV lines necessary for administering the three-drug lethal injection cocktail due to his physical condition. They argue that the current protocols are not designed to accommodate individuals with obesity and uncontrolled medical conditions like Tanzi's.