Florida executed Andrew Richard Lukehart, 53, on Tuesday evening for the 1996 murder of his girlfriend's five-month-old daughter, Gabrielle Hanshaw. He was pronounced dead at 6:19 p.m. after receiving a lethal injection at Florida State Prison.
Lukehart declined a final meal and had no visitors, though he met with a spiritual adviser. In his final statement, he said, “I’m sorry,” and recited the Bible verse Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Critics argued that likening his execution to the crucifixion was inappropriate.
The execution was Florida’s eighth this year, following a record 19 in 2025. Governor Ron DeSantis oversaw more executions in 2025 than any other Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
Lukehart confessed to dropping the baby on her head and shaking her, then disposing of her body in a pond. His final appeals were denied by the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.
