74-YEAR-OLD DEATH ROW INMATE SPARED DAYS BEFORE EXECUTION AS QUESTIONS EMERGE OVER HIS MENTAL HEALTH

A 74-year-old convicted murderer who spent decades on Florida’s death row has had his scheduled execution unexpectedly canceled, just days before he was due to receive a lethal injection.

William Lee Thompson, convicted in connection with the brutal 1976 murder of 23-year-old Sally Ivester, had been scheduled for execution on October 13, 2026.

However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis withdrew his death warrant on October 8 without publicly explaining the decision, following growing concerns about Thompson’s deteriorating physical and mental health.

A Murder Case Dating Back 50 Years

Thompson’s conviction stems from the kidnapping and murder of Sally Ivester in Miami-Dade County in March 1976.

According to court records, Ivester was subjected to a prolonged assault inside a motel room after being instructed to contact her family for money.

She eventually died from internal bleeding and multiple injuries.

Thompson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, kidnapping and sexual battery. His case subsequently went through years of legal proceedings, including overturned sentences and additional sentencing hearings.

In 1989, a jury voted 7-5 to recommend the death penalty, which the court imposed.

Execution Canceled at the Last Minute

On September 11, 2026, DeSantis signed a warrant scheduling Thompson’s execution for October 13.

But shortly afterward, his attorneys raised serious concerns about whether he was medically and mentally capable of undergoing the procedure.

Thompson reportedly suffered from dementia, heart failure, kidney disease and significant physical deterioration.

His legal team argued that his declining cognitive abilities prevented him from understanding the reality and purpose of his impending execution.

On October 8, DeSantis unexpectedly withdrew the death warrant, making it the first such withdrawal during his governorship.

He Reportedly Believed Bush Was Still President

One particularly troubling detail emerged from the defense team’s assessment of Thompson’s mental condition.

According to reports, Thompson appeared confused about his surroundings and reportedly believed that Bush was still the president of the United States.

At times, he allegedly failed to recognize that he had been sentenced to death.

Following these concerns, DeSantis appointed a three-member psychiatric panel to evaluate Thompson’s mental condition.

The panel conducted its examination on October 1, but its findings were not publicly released when the execution order was withdrawn.

What Happens to Thompson Now?

Although his October 13 execution was canceled, Thompson has not been released from prison or cleared of his conviction.

He remains on Florida’s death row, and authorities could potentially issue another death warrant in the future.

His attorneys have expressed relief over the decision and hope he will receive appropriate medical care.

The case has renewed questions about how the justice system handles executions involving elderly prisoners with serious cognitive and physical impairments.

For Thompson, the immediate execution date has passed. But nearly half a century after Sally Ivester’s murder, the legal consequences of the case remain unresolved.

Sources: PEOPLE, October 2026; Associated Press; CBS News Miami.