A Florida man was executed on April 30, 2026, nearly 50 years after being convicted of the brutal 1976 killing of his brother’s teenage stepdaughter. James Ernest Hitchcock, 70, was put to death by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Bradford County, at approximately 6:12 p.m. local time.
The Crime and Conviction
Hitchcock, who was 20 years old at the time, had been living with his brother in Orlando when he murdered 13-year-old Cynthia Driggers. According to court records, after consuming beer and marijuana with his friends, Hitchcock went into Driggers’ room and sexually assaulted her. When Driggers threatened to tell her mother, Hitchcock strangled her. He then took her outside, beat and choked her, and left her body in the bushes. Afterward, he took a shower and went to bed.
Hitchcock was arrested and later convicted of first-degree murder in 1977. He was sentenced to death, and despite filing several appeals over the years, his sentence was upheld, with resentencing occurring in 1988, 1993, and 1996.
Final Words and Execution
Hitchcock’s death warrant was signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on March 30, 2026. Before his execution, Hitchcock’s final words were directed to his friend, Joshua. According to The Independent, he said, “Just to say goodbye to Joshua, my friend. Thanks for all you’ve done,” as he lay on the execution table.
Driggers’ Family Statement
Following the execution, Lynn Cobb, Driggers’ sister, spoke to reporters, saying, “We will continue to remember Cindy by keeping her memory alive and always understanding that life is precious and time is valuable.”
Execution Statistics
Hitchcock’s execution marked Florida’s sixth execution in 2026, following a record 19 executions in 2025. Hitchcock’s last meal included salad, chicken, ice cream, pie, and soda. He was also visited by a family member before his death.
Appeal Denied
Hitchcock’s attorneys had filed an appeal to stop the execution, arguing that he was innocent and accusing the state of misconduct. However, the Florida Supreme Court denied the appeal a week before the execution.
This case remains a grim reminder of the state’s use of the death penalty, with Hitchcock’s execution marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal debates surrounding capital punishment.
