Florida Execution Justice
Michael Tanzi was executed in Florida for the 2000 murder of Janet Acosta, an employee of the Miami Herald. The execution marked the third in Florida for 2025 and shed light on community trauma and justice for victims. Tanzi’s violent past and remorse during his final moments raised questions about the death penalty and its implications. Acosta’s family expressed relief as they seek closure after years of grief.
In a somber turn of events, Florida executed Michael Tanzi on Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison in Raiford. At the age of 48, Tanzi was pronounced dead at precisely 6:12 p.m. ET, marking him as the third inmate executed by the state in 2025 and the eleventh this year. His journey on death row began over two decades ago after the brutal murder of Janet Acosta in 2000.
Janet Acosta, a 49-year-old employee of the Miami Herald, fell victim to a horrific crime on April 25, 2000. During her lunch break, she was kidnapped from her car, raped, and strangled by Tanzi. The violent nature of this crime sent shockwaves through the community and left an indelible mark on Acosta’s family and friends.
Tanzi’s desperate actions didn’t stop with the murder. After taking Acosta’s life, he buried her body in a secluded area in Cudjoe Key, all while going on a shopping spree with her debit card. Law enforcement eventually caught up with him when CCTV footage showed him using Acosta’s van in Key West.
Leading up to his execution, Tanzi expressed moments of remorse. He took time to apologize to both Janet Acosta’s family and to the family of Caroline Holder, another victim he admitted to killing before Acosta. This dark past includes the murder of 37-year-old Holder in Massachusetts, which further paints a picture of the violence that Tanzi was capable of.
For his final meal, Tanzi chose a hearty selection that included a fried pork chop, a baked potato, bacon, corn, ice cream, a candy bar, and soda. These comfort foods may seem trivial given the circumstances, but for many, they symbolize the last moments of a life filled with regret and violence.
Tanzi’s defense team dove into his troubled upbringing, arguing that a childhood marked by abuse and instability should serve as mitigating factors against the death penalty. Despite these claims, prosecutors painted a starkly different picture, labeling Tanzi’s crime as “horrific” and firmly stating that mercy was not warranted in his case.
The Florida Supreme Court heard appeals surrounding Tanzi’s mental health and physical condition, yet ultimately rejected arguments against his execution. This verdict has stirred strong feelings among many, including protests from anti-death penalty activists who gathered outside the prison on the day of execution, urging for a re-evaluation of capital punishment.
Janet Acosta was remembered for her gentle spirit and dedication. A valued member of the Miami Herald for 25 years, her loss profoundly affected her colleagues and loved ones. As news of Tanzi’s execution spread, her family expressed feelings of relief, calling it a form of closure after years of seeking justice for their beloved Janet.
With Tanzi’s execution now a part of history, the discussions about justice, punishment, and the ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty are poised to continue. The tragic story serves as a reminder that behind every crime, there are real victims and families who are forever affected.
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