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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Freida Frisaro

Man executed in Florida for fatal shooting of police officer at traffic stop

Kearse was pronounced dead after receiving a three-drug injection - (AP Photo/Curt Anderson)

A man convicted of fatally shooting a police officer with his own service weapon during a traffic stop was executed Tuesday evening in Florida. Billy Leon Kearse, 53, became the third person put to death by the state this year, following a record 19 executions in 2025.

Kearse was pronounced dead at 6:24 p.m. at Florida State Prison near Starke, after receiving a three-drug injection. He had been condemned for the 1991 killing of Fort Pierce Police Officer Danny Parrish.

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