A Florida death row inmate scheduled to be executed is seeking a last-minute stay, arguing that his "morbid obesity" and multiple medical conditions would make lethal injection an act of cruel and unusual punishment.
Michael Tanzi, 48, was convicted for the 2000 kidnapping, sexual assault and murder of Janet Acosta in Miami-Dade County, as reported by NBC News. Tanzi lured Acosta by asking for the time and a cigarette before forcing his way into her car, holding her hostage with a razor blade, sexually assaulting her and ultimately strangling her to death.
Tanzi was sentenced to death for his crimes and has been on Florida's death row for over two decades.
In an appeal filed on April 1, Tanzi's lawyers argued that his medical conditions—including morbid obesity, severe chronic sciatica, uncontrolled hypertension and other health complications—pose significant risks if he is executed by lethal injection.
They claim that the existing protocol could cause undue pain and suffering, violating the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The defense asked for a stay of execution—scheduled for April 8—and a return to circuit court for an evidentiary hearing to assess the risks.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's office responded on April 3, rejecting Tanzi's claims as meritless and stating he failed to raise these objections earlier. The state insists that Florida's lethal injection method, established in 2017, has withstood previous legal scrutiny and does not warrant exception in Tanzi's case.
As of April 4, Tanzi's lawyers continue to push for intervention, asking the court to reconsider and block the upcoming execution.
