Florida Sets Execution Date for 1976 Rape and Murder Conviction

James Ernest Hitchcock, 69, to be executed on May 7 for killing his brother's 13-year-old stepdaughter

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:09pm

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for James Ernest Hitchcock, 69, who was convicted of raping and murdering his brother's 13-year-old stepdaughter in 1976. Hitchcock is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on May 7, making him the seventh inmate executed in Florida this year.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around capital punishment in Florida, which has carried out a record number of executions in recent years. The execution of Hitchcock, nearly 50 years after the crime, also raises questions about the state's justice system and whether lengthy appeals processes serve the interests of victims' families.

The details

According to court documents, on July 31, 1976, Hitchcock raped his 13-year-old step-niece Cynthia Driggers in her bedroom in Orange County. When Driggers threatened to tell her mother, Hitchcock took her outside and strangled her, leaving her body in some bushes. Hitchcock then showered and went to bed. In his trial, Hitchcock claimed the intercourse was consensual and that his brother, who entered the bedroom shortly after, killed the girl by strangulation.

  • On July 31, 1976, Hitchcock raped and murdered his step-niece Cynthia Driggers.
  • Hitchcock was first sentenced to death in 1977.
  • Hitchcock was resentenced to death in 1988, 1993, and 1996.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis signed Hitchcock's death warrant on March 31, 2026.
  • Hitchcock is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on May 7, 2026.

The players

James Ernest Hitchcock

A 69-year-old man convicted of raping and murdering his brother's 13-year-old stepdaughter in 1976.

Cynthia Driggers

Hitchcock's 13-year-old step-niece who he raped and murdered in 1976.

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who signed Hitchcock's death warrant on March 31, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“As a stay remains in place for an execution scheduled for Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed the death warrant for a man convicted of raping and murdering his brother's 13-year-old stepdaughter nearly 50 years ago.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

What’s next

The judge will decide on Thursday whether to lift the stay of execution for James Aren Duckett, another death row inmate awaiting DNA testing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around capital punishment in Florida, which has carried out a record number of executions in recent years. The lengthy appeals process in Hitchcock's case also raises questions about whether the justice system is serving the interests of victims' families in a timely manner.