The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) has asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay two executions scheduled just a week apart. Bryan Jennings is scheduled to be executed on November 13, 2025, for the 1979 murder of Rebecca Kunash. Richard Randolph is scheduled for execution on November 20, 2025, for the murder of Minnie Ruth McCollum in 1988.

In separate letters to DeSantis on behalf of Jennings and Randolph, Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, called on the governor to halt the two executions and commute both sentences to life without parole. Sheedy recognized the duty of the state to punish the offenders for their grave crimes, yet pleaded with the governor to spare their lives.

“We appeal to you that it is possible both to achieve the purposes of punishment and to exercise mercy,” wrote Sheedy.

The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty attacks the inviolability of the human person. Life-long incarceration without the possibility of parole is a severe yet more humane punishment that recognizes the inherent dignity of the guilty person while also ensuring societal safety.

Before the two scheduled executions, Catholic faithful and members of the community will gather in multiple locations across Florida to pray for the condemned men, for the families of their victims, and for DeSantis as he considers the request to stay the execution.

Full text of letters to DeSantis:

• Please stay the execution of Bryan Jennings and commute his sentence
   
• Please stay the execution of Richard Randolph and commute his sentence