STARKE, Florida — Nearly three decades after one of the most disturbing child murders in Florida history, the state carried out the execution of Andrew Richard Lukehart on Tuesday evening.

Lukehart, 53, was pronounced dead at 6:19 p.m. following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison. According to witnesses, his final words included a brief apology and the recitation of a Bible verse: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The execution closes a long and painful chapter that began on February 25, 1996. At the time, Lukehart was babysitting his girlfriend’s 5-month-old daughter, Gabrielle Hanshaw, while the mother cared for another sick child. Prosecutors said Lukehart viciously beat the infant, delivering five fatal blows to her head that fractured her skull. He then disposed of her tiny body in a nearby pond.

When the baby’s mother returned home, Lukehart fabricated a story claiming Gabrielle had been kidnapped. He even pretended to chase the alleged abductor before crashing his car. Responding officers eventually discovered the infant’s body in the pond after Lukehart confessed.

Lukehart was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in 1997 and sentenced to death. For nearly 30 years, he remained on death row as his appeals were exhausted.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant in early May. The execution marks another step in the state’s aggressive use of capital punishment in 2026.

The case shocked the community not only because of its brutality but because it involved the murder of a helpless infant by someone who was supposed to be caring for her. Gabrielle’s family waited decades for justice.

At a vigil and in statements following the execution, relatives expressed relief that the man responsible for Gabrielle’s death had finally faced the ultimate punishment. “This has been a long time coming,” one family member said. “We hope Gabrielle can finally rest in peace.”

Legal experts note that Lukehart’s case highlights the long timeline many death row inmates face in Florida. His execution comes amid ongoing national debates about the death penalty, its costs, and its effectiveness as a deterrent.

As news of the execution spread, reactions were mixed. Some praised the state for delivering justice, while others continued to question whether capital punishment serves society or simply prolongs suffering for victims’ families.

For the loved ones of little Gabrielle Hanshaw, Tuesday’s events brought a measure of finality after 30 years of grief. The infant, who never had the chance to grow up, has not been forgotten.

Lukehart’s final moments — quoting scripture and offering an apology — left many reflecting on themes of forgiveness, accountability, and the lasting impact of violent crime.