Florida Gov. DeSantis Approves Execution for 1990 Palm Bay Murder

Chadwick Willacy, 58, convicted of killing his neighbor Marlys Mae Sather, is scheduled to be executed on April 21.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:11am

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the death warrant for Chadwick Willacy, 58, who was convicted of the 1990 murder of his Palm Bay neighbor Marlys Mae Sather. Willacy is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison on April 21.

Why it matters

This case highlights Florida's continued use of the death penalty, with Governor DeSantis signing six execution warrants so far this year. The execution of Willacy will be the sixth carried out in Florida in 2026, continuing the state's high rate of executions in recent years.

The details

According to court documents, Willacy was found guilty of first-degree murder, burglary, robbery, and arson for the 1990 killing of his 56-year-old neighbor Marlys Mae Sather. Willacy reportedly struck Sather in the head, bound her, and then set her on fire, causing her death by smoke inhalation. Evidence showed Willacy had burglarized Sather's home and stolen her checkbook and late husband's car.

  • On September 5, 1990, Sather found Willacy burglarizing her home and was killed.
  • Willacy was convicted in December 1991 and initially sentenced to death.
  • In 1994, the Florida Supreme Court reversed Willacy's death sentence and ordered a new penalty phase.
  • In 1995, a jury again recommended the death penalty for Willacy, this time by an 11-1 vote.
  • Willacy is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on April 21, 2026.

The players

Chadwick Willacy

A 58-year-old man convicted of the 1990 murder of his Palm Bay neighbor Marlys Mae Sather.

Marlys Mae Sather

A 56-year-old Palm Bay resident who was killed by Willacy in 1990 after finding him burglarizing her home.

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who signed the death warrant for Willacy's execution.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Florida and take innocent lives.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Willacy's request for a stay of execution.

The takeaway

This case highlights Florida's continued reliance on the death penalty, with Governor DeSantis signing six execution warrants so far in 2026. The execution of Willacy will be the sixth carried out in the state this year, continuing a high rate of executions in recent years.