Florida Supreme Court keeps ex-cop's execution on hold after DNA test fails to give a clear answer

The execution of a former police officer convicted of murdering and raping a young girl nearly 40 years ago will remain on hold after the state Supreme Court on Monday denied the state’s request to lift the stay, according to court documents.

James Duckett, a former Mascotte police officer accused of preying on 11-year-old Teresa McAbee in 1987, was scheduled for execution on Tuesday.

The motion comes after DNA testing of biological material from the victim’s underwear, which the defense argued could prove Duckett’s innocence, came back inconclusive Friday, court documents stated. 

Because the results failed to exonerate Duckett, Florida’s attorney general swiftly moved to lift the stay, urging the state Supreme Court to allow the execution to proceed as scheduled.

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