Execution Date Set For Convicted Coral Gables Cop Killer
MIAMI (CBS4) – The state has set the execution date of a man who killed a Coral Gables police officer more than three decades ago.
Several appeals have failed to spare the life of Manuel Valle who is set to die September 28th at 4 p.m.
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled earlier this month that Florida can execute Valle.
Valle had argued that the new drugs Florida plans to use for lethal injections constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Valle claimed the drug pentobarbital was unproven, and could possibly cause him pain during execution. The state investigated, held hearings, and ultimately convinced the Florida Supreme Court to approve the use of the drug.
Valle was convicted of fatally shooting Coral Gables officer Louis Pena in 1978 after a traffic stop. Various appeals and delays have kept him on Death Row until earlier this year, when Gov. Rick Scott announced he would carry out the death warrant, making Valle the first person executed during his term.
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