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The execution of a former Florida police officer for the murder of a girl in 1987 will remain on hold after the Florida Supreme Court denied the state's request for the execution to proceed.
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James Duckett, a former Mascotte police officer, was convicted of killing 11-year-old Teresa McAbee nearly 40 years ago.
What we know:
Duckett was set to be executed on March 31, but last week the high court issued a stay of execution for Duckett until the results from new DNA testing were received.
A semen sample that was found on the girl's jeans was tested. The results came back inconclusive, according to court documents filed Friday.
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The state then filed a request to lift the stay of execution, arguing that since the results didn't exonerate Duckett, the stay should be lifted.
Six of the seven Florida Supreme Court justices opposed the state's request.
The backstory:
According to court records, Teresa McAbee was out with a 16-year-old boy she knew on May 11, 1987, when they were approached by Duckett, a rookie officer with the Mascott Police Department. Duckett claimed the two were out past curfew and told Teresa to get in his vehicle.
She was reported missing that night.
The next morning, Teresa's body was found in Knight Lake. Police said she had been raped, strangled and drowned.
What's next:
A status report was issued for Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
The Source: This article was written with information gathered from Florida Supreme Court documents and from previous FOX 35 reporting.