Florida's Death Row: Only One Biological Woman Among the Condemned

Seventeen women have been sentenced to death in Florida's history, but only two have been executed

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Florida's death row population is decreasing, with 250 people currently on the roster. Only one of them is a biological woman, Tina Lasonya Brown, who was convicted in 2013 for the brutal murder of Audreanna Zimmerman. Seventeen women have been sentenced to death in Florida's history, but only two have been executed - Judias Goodyear Buenoano in 1998 and Aileen Wuornos in 2002.

Why it matters

This story highlights the relatively small number of women on Florida's death row compared to the overall death row population, as well as the infrequency of women being executed in the state. It raises questions about gender disparities in capital punishment and the factors that may contribute to fewer women receiving death sentences.

The details

Tina Lasonya Brown was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder and sentenced to death after she and two other people ambushed 19-year-old Audreanna Zimmerman, attacked her repeatedly with a stun gun, gagged her, stuffed her in the trunk of a car, drove her into the woods, beat her with a crowbar, doused her with gasoline, and set her on fire. Zimmerman survived long enough to identify her attackers before dying from her injuries two weeks later. Brown was the only one of the three convicted perpetrators to receive the death penalty.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Tina Lasonya Brown

A 55-year-old woman who was convicted in 2013 of first-degree premeditated murder and sentenced to death for the brutal killing of 19-year-old Audreanna Zimmerman.

Audreanna Zimmerman

A 19-year-old woman who was attacked, beaten, and set on fire by Tina Brown and two other accomplices, ultimately dying from her injuries two weeks later.

Britnee Angelique Miller

Tina Brown's 16-year-old daughter who was involved in the attack on Zimmerman and was sentenced to life in prison for her role in the murder.

Heather Lee

An accomplice of Tina Brown and Britnee Miller who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for her involvement in Zimmerman's murder.

Jenna Rodgers

A transgender woman who was sentenced to death in Florida for killing Julie Robinson in 1998, though her appeals claiming the effects of undiagnosed gender dysphoria were denied.

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What they’re saying

“Tina Lasonya Brown did not want to live. Tina Lasonya Brown does.”

— Tina Lasonya Brown's attorneys

What’s next

The judge in Tina Lasonya Brown's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow her out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the rarity of women being sentenced to death and executed in Florida, raising questions about potential gender disparities in the application of capital punishment and the factors that may contribute to fewer women receiving death sentences compared to men.