Florida's Execution Machine Under Fire as Lawyers Claim 'Reckless' Errors

Ronald Heath's legal team files emergency brief alleging dangerous incompetence in the state's execution protocols

Published on Jan. 31, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Florida Supreme Court is being asked to stop the execution of Ronald Heath, scheduled for February 10, as his lawyers level explosive accusations of 'reckless maladministration' against the state's prison system. Heath's attorneys argue that Florida's recent execution spree has led to dangerous incompetence, including the use of expired drugs, incorrect dosages, and the preparation of unauthorized chemicals during previous executions.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about the integrity and competence of Florida's execution procedures, which have come under intense scrutiny after a record-breaking year of 19 people put to death in 2025. The defense's claims of 'reckless errors' raise questions about whether the state can carry out executions in a constitutional manner.

The details

Heath's lawyers filed a 76-page emergency brief alleging a litany of errors from last year's executions, including the 20-minute execution of Bryan Frederick Jennings, which they described as 'anomalous' and a red flag for a system that can no longer competently follow its own rules. Beyond the procedural complaints, Heath's lawyers are also pushing a developmental argument, claiming his brain development was permanently 'stunted' after he was sent to an adult prison at just 16 years old, where he reportedly suffered horrific physical and sexual trauma.

  • Ronald Heath is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on February 10, 2026.
  • Florida set a record in 2025 with 19 executions.

The players

Ronald Heath

A 64-year-old inmate scheduled to be executed on February 10, 2026 for the 1989 murder of Michael Sheridan near Gainesville.

Sonya Rudenstine

The attorney representing Ronald Heath, who filed the 76-page emergency brief arguing against his client's execution.

Florida Department of Corrections (FDC)

The state agency responsible for carrying out executions in Florida, which the defense claims is 'buckling under the weight of an unprecedented pace' and cutting corners in ways that violate the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Bryan Frederick Jennings

An inmate whose execution in November 2025 lasted 20 minutes, significantly longer than the usual 15, which the defense claims was an 'anomalous' event suggesting the system can no longer competently follow its own rules.

Michael Sheridan

The victim of the 1989 murder for which Ronald Heath was sentenced.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Florida Supreme Court will have the final word on whether to stop Ronald Heath's upcoming execution.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns about the integrity and competence of Florida's execution procedures, which have come under intense scrutiny after a record-breaking year of 19 people put to death in 2025. The defense's claims of 'reckless errors' raise questions about whether the state can carry out executions in a constitutional manner.