The state of Florida is using a high-profile case to test a new law that could make a convicted pedophile the first person to receive the death penalty under Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration.
On Friday, a grand jury indicted Joseph Andrew Giampa on charges of Sexual Battery Upon a Person Under Twelve Years of Age and Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child. The State Attorney’s Office in the Fifth Judicial Circuit has decided to pursue the death penalty in this case due to the severity of the crimes and the need to hold criminals accountable for their actions.
This case marks the first time the new Florida law, which allows for the death penalty for child rapists, will be put into practice. According to WKMG-TV, there are aggravating factors in Giampa’s case that make him eligible for execution. His past record, the vulnerability of the victim, the heinous nature of the crimes, and monetary gain all contribute to the severity of this case.
In the arrest affidavit, it was reported that there is video evidence of Giampa forcing a child to engage in sexual acts and having intercourse. In the video, Giampa was heard saying that he enjoys it when the victim does not consent. This disturbing piece of evidence highlights the severity and brutality of this crime.
Florida Child Rapist Could Be First in State to Be Put to Death – https://t.co/IF6gRLIRo9
— Laurel700 (@Laurel700) December 17, 2023
However, there are still several barriers that stand in the way of Giampa facing execution. Firstly, he must be convicted, and then a jury must recommend the death penalty with a majority of at least eight members. Additionally, any appeals to the Supreme Court will bring the Florida law into question as the death penalty has previously been limited to cases where a victim was killed.
Despite the potential challenges, DeSantis has made it clear that he believes execution is the only appropriate punishment for child rapists. He stated his stance on the issue last month, saying, “You have some of these people that will be serial rapists of six, seven-year-old kids. I think the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment when you have situations like that.”
Governor DeSantis signed the bill allowing for the death penalty for child rapists in May, stating that Florida stands for the protection of children. He acknowledged that there will be challenges to this law, but believes that the worst of the worst crimes deserve the harshest punishment.
Florida Imposes Death Penalty for Child Rapists. https://t.co/l6AwtxmZHX pic.twitter.com/w08V93hMY6
— Virginians 4 Safe Communities (@VA4SafeComm) December 14, 2023
In conclusion, the state of Florida is using a disturbing and high-profile case to test a new law that could bring about the first death penalty sentence under Governor DeSantis’ administration. However, there are still several barriers that stand in the way of this punishment being carried out. Despite the potential challenges, DeSantis and the State Attorney’s Office are committed to holding criminals accountable for their actions and protecting vulnerable children in Florida.