Chadwick Scott Willisy was executed by lethal injection in Florida on April 21, 2026, after spending 35 years on death row for the brutal murder of his neighbor, Marus May Sather. Witnesses described the harrowing scene, as Willisy’s final words echoed in the execution chamber, leaving a haunting mark on those present.
The execution marks the end of a long and tragic saga that began on September 5, 1990, when Willisy, driven by a crack cocaine addiction, brutally murdered Sather, a 56-year-old office clerk. He meticulously planned the robbery, only to be ππππ°ππ off guard when Sather returned home unexpectedly.
In a ππ½πΈπΈππΎππ turn of events, Willisy attacked Sather with a blunt object, fracturing her skull, before tying her up and setting her home ablaze. Autopsy results revealed she was still alive during the fire, a chilling testament to the brutality of her murder.
Captured just a day later, Willisy’s conviction came after a tumultuous legal battle. Initially sentenced to death in 1991, his sentence was overturned due to procedural errors. A retrial in 1995 resulted in a new death penalty recommendation, solidifying his fate.
Over the decades, Willisy sought to challenge his sentence through various legal avenues, including claims of mental health issues stemming from his addiction. However, the courts consistently upheld his death sentence, culminating in Governor Ron DeSantis signing his death warrant in March 2026.
As the execution day arrived, Willisy’s demeanor was calm but visibly nervous. His final meal included fried chicken and ice cream, a stark contrast to the horrors of his past. Witnesses reported a tense atmosphere as he was led into the execution chamber.
In his final moments, Willisy addressed his fellow inmates, expressing a desire for peace. His last words, “I would never ππΎππ a friend,” were directed at Sather, underscoring the complexity of his case.
John Sather, the victim’s son, witnessed the execution, seeking closure for the violent loss of his mother. “I wanted to make sure my mother got justice,” he said, tears in his eyes.
As Florida moves forward, two more executions are scheduled for April 30th, raising questions about the future of capital punishment in the state. Stay tuned for updates on these critical developments.