TOO BIG TO DIE

Death Row Inmate Wants Leniency for Morbid Obesity

Michael Tanzi’s lawyer claims his execution would violate the Constitution.

A death row inmate in Florida is asking for mercy due to his “morbid” obesity. Michael Tanzi, 48, wants “leniency” for his scheduled execution next month due to health issues including his weight. His lawyer’s appeal reads that Tanzi “is morbidly obese and suffers from severe chronic sciatica,” alongside “hyperlipidemia, uncontrolled hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.” According to NBC News, Tanzi claims that his lethal injection execution would violate the Constitution’s Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. “The existing protocols for lethal injection do not contemplate the execution of someone with obesity and uncontrolled medical conditions, like Mr. Tanzi’s, that are likely to complicate the lethal injection process,” the appeal reads, according to the outlet. Tanzi was arrested in 2000 for kidnapping a woman, then killing her. Florida’s Attorney General denied the appeal, and wrote that his concerns were “meritless.” Despite the rejection, his lawyers are asking the court to undo the AG’s order.