Death row executions hit an all-time high in over a decade — with 44 this year

Prisoners on death row typically spend over a decade (often more) awaiting execution or court rulings overturning their sentence. Case in point: the state of Florida executed Malik Abdul-Sajjad, formerly Richard Randolph, on November 20, 2025, after 36 years of incarceration. In contrast, Jimmie Duncan, a 57-year-old man from Louisiana, was released on bail on November 26 after his murder conviction was overturned. At the time of his release, he had spent 27 years behind bars. (Picture: Facebook) In 2025, 44 prisoners were executed.