This browser does not support the Video element.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - A former Mascotte police officer convicted of raping and killing an 11-year-old girl nearly 40 years ago in Florida is scheduled to be executed in less than two weeks.
It comes nearly four months after James Duckett's execution was initially stayed over Duckett's request for new DNA testing and analysis, which he claimed would provide his innocence.
New execution date set
The execution of James Duckett has been rescheduled to July 28, according to a death warrant signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Duckett's execution was previously set for March 31 but was put on hold after the Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling to allow new DNA testing.
A DNA sample from 11-year-old Teresa McAbee's underwear was sent for analysis. The results, however, were inconclusive.
Earlier this month, the Florida Supreme Court lifted the stay on Duckett's execution.
The murder of Teresa McAbee
The backstory:
On May 11, 1987, McAbee had walked to a convenience store on State Road 50, according to records.
McAbee was out with a 16-year-old boy she knew when they were approached by Duckett, who was out patrolling.
Duckett questioned the two about why they were out past curfew and told McAbee to get his patrol car.
This browser does not support the Video element.
James Duckett: DNA test 'inconclusive' as execution stayed
Last-minute DNA testing in James Duckett's case were found to be "inconclusive," according to the lab. State Prosecutors asked the Florida Supreme Court to lift a stay and to move forward with his execution. Duckett, a former Mascotte Police Officer, was convicted of raping and killing an 11-year-old girl in 1987. He was sentenced to death. Several appeals have failed.
McAbee was reported missing that night. Her body was found the next morning in a lake less than a mile from the store.
Police said she had been raped, strangled and drowned.
Duckett has long maintained his innocence in the 1987 murder.
The Source: The story was written with information released by the Supreme Court of Florida, Lake County court records and previous FOX 35 reporting.