Florida Man Faces Execution for Killing 8-Year-Old Girl and Grandmother

In a shocking case that has gripped Florida, Michael Duane Zack III is scheduled to be executed for the brutal murders of 8-year-old Laura Rosillo and her grandmother, Ravonne Smith, in 1996. The Florida Supreme Court has recently denied Zack's appeal, paving the way for his execution by lethal injection, scheduled for October 3, 2023.

Zack, who was 28 at the time of the murders, had a history of substance abuse and violence. According to court documents, he broke into the victims' home in Escambia County, Florida, and stabbed both Laura and Ravonne multiple times. The senseless killings shocked the community and led to a swift investigation and arrest.

The case has reignited debates about the death penalty in Florida, a state known for its frequent use of capital punishment. Advocates for Zack's execution argue that justice must be served for the heinous nature of his crimes. On the other hand, opponents of the death penalty point to Zack's troubled background, including a history of mental health issues and childhood trauma, as reasons to reconsider his sentence.

As the execution date approaches, the families of Laura and Ravonne have expressed mixed emotions. While some seek closure through the execution, others struggle with the moral implications of capital punishment. The case continues to be a focal point in the ongoing national conversation about justice, rehabilitation, and the ethics of the death penalty.

• Florida
• Laura Rosillo
• Michael Duane Zack III
• Ravonne Smith

Detailed

Florida man faces execution for the killing of an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother

3 weeks ago

- nbcnews