Dear {$firstname},
I have struggled to find the words to write this. The past few weeks have been some of the hardest since the fight against the death penalty became a personal mission. Two executions — James Ford and Richard Tabler — have left deep scars, and it has taken me time to process everything before reaching out to you.
Richard’s execution, in particular, was devastating. He was not just a name on a list or a case to advocate for—he was my friend. Someone I wrote to, laughed with, and cared about. Losing him in such a brutal and deliberate way is something I can’t fully describe. To watch the State take his life, despite his transformation and deep remorse, felt unnecessary —a final act of punishment that served no purpose beyond ending a life that had already changed."
James Ford’s execution was another reminder of the cruelty of this system. Each time, we witness the same cold and calculated process—the legal battles, the last-minute appeals, the final hours filled with uncertainty. And then, silence. Their voices are gone, and we are left with grief, anger, and a renewed urgency to stop this from happening again.
If you’ve felt the weight of these losses too, please know that you’re not alone. These executions were not justice. They were tragedies. And though it took me time to write this letter, my commitment to this fight remains unshaken.
Just days after the execution of James Ford, Florida has scheduled yet another execution. On February 19, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Edward James, setting his execution for March 20, 2025, at Florida State Prison.
This rapid succession of death warrants is alarming. It signals not just a continued commitment to capital punishment in Florida but an acceleration of its use. Each time, we hear the same justifications—that this is about justice, about closure. But what does it truly accomplish? Does taking another life make our society safer, or does it just deepen the cycle of violence and vengeance?
This execution, like all others, is a reminder that the fight is far from over. I urge you to stay engaged—whether by signing petitions, contacting officials, or simply keeping this conversation alive. The more we challenge this system, the closer we come to ending it.
As I reflect on the past months, I find myself questioning the future of United Against the Death Penalty. When we started, the vision was clear: to build a movement of people willing to take real action—attending vigils, protesting, writing letters, and lobbying for change. We wanted to be an alternative to existing groups, providing a space that wasn’t tied to religious affiliations but was just as active in the fight for abolition.
Unfortunately, the response was not what I had hoped for. I reached out to people I thought would be interested, only to be met with rejection. Over time, as life and responsibilities pulled me in different directions, I didn’t have the capacity to keep searching for those willing to engage. And now, I’m left wondering—do we continue pushing forward, or do we shift our focus?
One thing I know for sure is that our support group for families and friends of those on Florida’s death row will remain. This group existed before the organization and will continue, because the need for support is undeniable. Families affected by this system deserve a space where they can connect with others who understand their pain and struggles.
As for the broader organization, I don’t have the answer yet. Maybe we step back from trying to organize direct actions and instead focus on keeping our Facebook page as an informative space—relaying petitions, sharing updates, and amplifying the work of active abolitionist organizations. Or maybe, with the right people, we find a way to reignite the vision we originally had.
I don’t know what the future holds for United Against the Death Penalty. But I do know that the fight isn’t over. Whether through this organization or elsewhere, we must keep challenging this system. Keep speaking up. Keep supporting the people and groups who are out there, doing the work.
For now, I just want to say thank you—to everyone who has been part of this journey, in whatever way. I’ll keep you updated as we navigate what comes next.
In solidarity,
Sigrid & United Against the Death Penalty
