On Tuesday evening, the state of Florida executed Michael Tanzi, who was convicted for the murder of Janet Acosta, a Miami Herald employee. Acosta was kidnapped and strangled during her lunch break in April 2000. Tanzi, aged 48, was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. at Florida State Prison after being administered a lethal cocktail of three drugs, as reported by Local 10.
In a barely audible voice, Tanzi offered his last words: “I want to apologize to the family,” and then recited a Bible verse before the procedure began. Acosta, who was 40, worked in the newspaper's production area and was approached by Tanzi while she sat reading in her truck during her work break. According to court records, he asked for a cigarette and immediately began assaulting her. He threatened her with a knife, tied her up, and drove her from Miami to the Florida Keys.
During the drive, Tanzi stole $53 in cash, withdrew money using Acosta's bank card, and purchased duct tape and blades. Ultimately, he took her to a remote area in Cudjoe Key, informing her of his intent to kill her. He strangled her, covered her face with tape, and left her lifeless body on the island before driving her vehicle to Key West.
When Acosta did not return to work, her colleagues reported her missing. Authorities later found the vehicle, and Tanzi confessed to the crime, leading the police to her remains. "If I had let her go, they would have caught me faster. I didn’t want to get caught. I was having too much fun… I told her, 'I can’t let you go. If I let you go, I'll get in a lot of trouble,'" Tanzi confessed to authorities.
He was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and vehicle theft, with the jury unanimously recommending the death penalty. All of his appeals were denied, including a request for a stay of execution filed with the U.S. Supreme Court just hours before his death.
Tanzi was the third person executed in Florida this year. The next execution in the state is scheduled for May 1, with orders signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Following the execution, Janet Acosta’s family expressed relief. “It’s done. Justice has finally been served for Janet,” said her sister, Julie Andrew, who was present at the execution chamber. Her niece, Janet Vanderwier, remarked, “This marks the end of over two decades of fighting for justice.”
Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward released a statement following the execution: “Today closes a long and painful chapter for the family of Janet Acosta and our community. Justice has been served, though no legal action can return peace to those who lost a loved one in such a violent manner. We remember Janet and continue to work every day to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.”
So far in 2025, eleven people have been executed in the United States, including two by firing squad in South Carolina. At least a dozen more executions are expected to occur before the year ends.
Key Facts About Michael Tanzi's Execution
Why was Michael Tanzi executed in Florida?
Michael Tanzi was executed for the kidnapping and murder of Janet Acosta, a Miami Herald employee, that occurred in April 2000. He was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges.
What were Michael Tanzi's last words?
Michael Tanzi's last words included an apology to the family of Janet Acosta, followed by a recitation of a Bible verse.
How did the family of Janet Acosta react to the execution?
The family expressed a sense of relief and closure after the execution, stating that justice was finally served for Janet Acosta.