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The state of Florida executed Michael Tanzi on Tuesday night, the man convicted of the murder of Janet Acosta, a Miami Herald worker who was abducted and strangled during her lunch hour in April 2000.
Tanzi, 48 years old, was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. in Florida's state prison after receiving a lethal injection consisting of three drugs, reported the media Local 10.
In a barely audible voice, he offered some final words: "I want to apologize to the family," and then recited a verse from the Bible before the procedure began.
Acosta, 40 years old, worked in the production area of the newspaper and was approached by Tanzi while she was reading in her truck during her work break.
According to court records, he asked her for a cigarette and immediately began to hit her. Using a knife, he threatened her, tied her up, and drove her from Miami to the Florida Keys.
During the journey, Tanzi stole $53 in cash, withdrew money using the victim's bank card, and purchased adhesive tape and blades. Finally, he took her to a remote area in Cudjoe Key, where he informed her that he was going to kill her. He strangled her and then covered her face with tape before taking her life. He abandoned the body on the island and drove the vehicle to Key West.
When Acosta did not return to work, his colleagues reported his disappearance. The police located the vehicle and, subsequently, Tanzi confessed to the crime and led the officers to the place where he had left the body.
"If I let her go, they would catch me faster. I didn’t want to be caught. I was having a lot of fun... I told her, 'I can’t let you go. If I let you go, I’ll get into a lot of trouble,'" Tanzi confessed to the authorities.
He was then sentenced to first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and vehicle theft, with a unanimous recommendation from the jury for the death penalty.
All of his appeals were rejected, including a request for a stay of execution filed with the U.S. Supreme Court just hours before his death.
Tanzi is the third person executed this year in Florida. The next execution in the state is scheduled for May 1, under orders signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
After the execution, Janet Acosta's family expressed their relief. "It's done. Basically, justice has been served for Janet," said her sister Julie Andrew, who was present in the execution chamber. Her niece, Janet Vanderwier, added, "This is the closure of more than two decades of fighting for justice."
The state attorney for Monroe County, Dennis Ward, issued a statement following the execution: “Today closes a long and painful chapter for Janet Acosta's family and our community. Justice has been served, although no legal action can restore peace to those who lost a loved one in such a violent manner. We remember Janet and continue to work every day to ensure public safety and respect for the rule of law.”
As of 2025, eleven people have been executed in the United States, including two by firing squad in South Carolina.
It is expected that at least a dozen more executions will be carried out before the end of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions about the execution of Michael Tanzi and the death penalty in Florida
Why was Michael Tanzi executed in Florida?
Michael Tanzi was executed for the murder of Janet Acosta, an employee of the Miami Herald, whom he kidnapped and strangled in 2000. Tanzi was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and vehicle theft, with a unanimous jury recommendation for the death penalty.
What were Michael Tanzi's last words before his execution?
Before his execution, Michael Tanzi offered some last words in which he apologized to the victim's family and recited a Bible verse. His execution was carried out by lethal injection at the Florida state prison.
How has Janet Acosta's family reacted following the execution of Michael Tanzi?
Janet Acosta's family expressed their relief following the execution of Tanzi. Her sister, Julie Andrew, stated that "justice has been served for Janet", while her niece, Janet Vanderwier, mentioned that this represents the closure of over two decades of the fight for justice.
What is the context of the death penalty in Florida under Ron DeSantis' administration?
Florida is one of the states with the highest application of the death penalty, and its governor, Ron DeSantis, has strongly supported its use. In 2025, Florida has already executed three individuals, and more executions are expected before the year ends. DeSantis has promoted legal changes that facilitate the imposition of the death penalty, reflecting a tougher punitive policy against violent crimes.
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