Astonishing excuse death row prisoner has given for why he should not be executed

A motion has been filed by attorneys representing a death row inmate in Florida in a final attempt to halt his execution, with concerns raised over the potential complications due to his weight during the lethal injection process.

Michael Tanzi, aged 48, received a death sentence back in 2003 for the killing of Janet Acosta in 2000. Following more than twenty years on death row, Governor Ron DeSantis endorsed his execution.

However, Tanzi’s lawyers filed a brief on Monday stating that he was ‘morbidly obese’ and suffers from a nerve condition called sciatica. 

The defense team contended that the three-drug lethal injection administered by the state could result in severe health issues and unnecessary agony for Tanzi because of his obesity.

The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution prevents cruel or unusual punishments and Tanzi’s representation claimed that his weight may prevent the drugs from taking full effect, leaving him paralyzed. 

The brief detailed that the drugs may not be able to fully sedate Tanzi and he would be left ‘paralyzed but aware’ with a ‘sensation of being burned from the inside.’ 

The Attorney General’s office filed a brief on Wednesday refuting Tanzi’s claims, slamming his lawyers for waiting until his death warrant was signed to argue cruel and unusual punishment. 

‘Tanzi fails to offer any support for his groundless assertion that the massive dose of etomidate, that has been repeatedly and successfully used in Florida’s lethal injection protocol, will not work for him,’ the Attorney General’s office argued. 

Lawyers for Michael Tanzi, 48, have filed a brief arguing that his execution is 'cruel and unusual punishment' because of his weight

Lawyers for Michael Tanzi, 48, have filed a brief arguing that his execution is ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ because of his weight 

Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Tanzi's execution in March that is scheduled for April 8

Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Tanzi’s execution in March that is scheduled for April 8 

Florida has a three-drug lethal injection used to kill prisoners on death row. Tanzi's lawyers argued that his weight would complicate the procedure

Florida has a three-drug lethal injection used to kill prisoners on death row. Tanzi’s lawyers argued that his weight would complicate the procedure 

The state added that Tanzi has ‘long known of his general medical condition, heavy weight, and asserted back issues,’ and that the current injection procedure has existed since 2017. 

‘Tanzi fails to offer any support for his groundless assertion that the massive dose of etomidate, that has been repeatedly and successfully used in Florida’s lethal injection protocol, will not work for him,’ the brief added. 

A county circuit judge rejected Tanzi’s ask to halt his execution, so his lawyers appealed to the Supreme Court. 

DeSantis signed Tanzi’s death warrant on March 10, and his execution is scheduled for April 8, barring it isn’t halted. 

Tanzi was arrested almost 25 years ago on April 25, 2000, when he assaulted Janet Acosta, who was eating in her car on a lunch break, according to court documents. 

He approached her vehicle to ask for a cigarette and then repeatedly punched her in the face and forced himself in her car. 

Tanzi then threatened her with a razorblade and drove her car from Miami to Homestead, which is about an hour drive. 

He sexually assaulted her, stole her money and credit cards, and then drove to an isolated area to kill her. 

Tanzi was sentenced to death in 2003 for the brutal murder of Janet Acosta in 2000

Tanzi was sentenced to death in 2003 for the brutal murder of Janet Acosta in 2000 

The state argued that Tanzi's lawyers have known about his weight and the lethal injection procedures

The state argued that Tanzi’s lawyers have known about his weight and the lethal injection procedures 

Tanzi put duct tape on her mouth, strangled her, and left her body in a wooded area. He then drove to Key West and Acosta’s friends eventually reported her missing. 

Police located him when they discovered he was driving Acosta’s car and he confessed. 

He was charged with first-degree murder, carjacking with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, and armed robbery. 

Tanzi was sentenced to death three years later. He filed an appeal in 2005, but his death sentence was affirmed in 2007. 

He still filed a motion for a rehearing which was denied. Despite multiple motions since his death sentence has remained. 

You May Also Like
Facts First: Scott Jennings Puts Cory Booker Speech Record in Perspective With Some Hard Truths for Dems

Presenting Information Clearly: Scott Jennings Highlights Cory Booker’s Speech History With Some Candid Realities for Democrats

During the Democrat Stuntapalooza in the first two months of President Donald…
The unusual suburbs across the US where buyers are sparking major bidding wars over homes

Surprising U.S. Suburbs with High Demand for Homes Leading to Intense Bidding Wars

The hottest real estate markets of 2025 are surprisingly in the Midwest suburbs. Cities…
ALISON BOSHOFF: 'Grief-stricken' Prince Harry feels 'like he's had one of his fingers cut off' amid charity chaos, as his friends reveal 'he's in total shock'

Prince Harry, feeling devastated, compares his loss to having a finger severed in the midst of charity turmoil, as friends share his state of utter disbelief

Prince Harry has not issued any public statements regarding the recent controversy…
Mayor Election 2025: Voters head to polls in mayoral races in Aurora, Evanston

“Aurora and Evanston Mayor Races Heat Up as Voters Cast their Ballots in 2025 Election”

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — Tuesday is Election Day in several suburbs. For…
Three huge stars turn down hosting gig on TJ and Amy's old GMA3 show amid fears it's CURSED

“Top Celebrities Decline Hosting Opportunity on Former GMA3 Show Due to Superstitions”

Good Morning America’s megastar hosts all turned down the chance to host…
Ohio State Highway Patrol investigating small plane crash, pilot dead

Investigation into small plane crash by Ohio State Highway Patrol, pilot fatalities reported

Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating after a small plane crashed in…
Netanyahu accuses Israeli police of trying to 'topple' his government

Netanyahu claims that Israeli police are attempting to overthrow his government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Israeli police of attempting to undermine…
Dolton, Illinois election results today: Democrat Jason House projected to replace Tiffany Henyard as Dolton mayor

Today’s election results in Dolton, Illinois: It is expected that Democratic candidate Jason House will take over as the new mayor of Dolton, succeeding Tiffany Henyard.

DOLTON (WLS) — Democrat Jason House is expected to win the Dolton…
'Park bench Karens' accuse pregnant mom of disrespecting THEIR special spot in expletive-laden tirade

‘Women on Park Benches’ accuse pregnant mother of disrespecting THEIR spot in angry outburst

A pregnant mother was left humiliated when two ‘Karens’ mercilessly berated her,…
What’s next in the Russia, Ukraine ceasefire talks?

Germany reports that negotiations with the US on Russia-Ukraine conflict are at a standstill, while China holds a contrasting view

There is growing tension surrounding the U.S.’s attempts to mediate a resolution…
CBP releases March border crossing numbers, marking lowest to date ever recorded

“CBP Announces Record-Low Border Crossing Numbers for March”

The latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) figures indicate that in…
Reese Witherspoon’s Lookalike Daughter Ava Phillippe Boards ‘Doctor Odyssey’ For Her Acting Debut: See The Photos

Ava Phillippe, daughter of Reese Witherspoon, takes on her first acting role in “Doctor Odyssey” – Check out the pictures

Move over, mom and dad, there’s a new star on the scene……