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Lawmaker suggests crucifixion for killer who claims to be Jesus Christ

Friday, October 8, 1999

Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE - If death row inmate Thomas Provenzano has delusions of being Jesus Christ, maybe he should be crucified, a central Florida lawmaker has suggested.

Rep. Howard Futch, R-Melbourne Beach, made the comment Wednesday as the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Council was hearing an update on Provenzano's case.

"Doesn't he think he's Jesus Christ or something? Why don't we just crucify him," Futch asked.

Provenzano has claimed to be Jesus since before the 1984 murders that landed him on death row.

After Futch's comment, Council Chairman Victor Crist, R-Temple Terrace, banged his fist on the table and the meeting continued with only a nervous laugh or two coming from some council members.

Provenzano was scheduled to be executed in July for the 1984 murder of bailiff William Wilkerson, who was fatally shot when Provenzano opened fire in the Orlando courthouse. Two other bailiffs wounded in the shooting were left paralyzed; one died after seven years, the other lives today paralyzed from the shoulders down.

But execution was delayed because of Provenzano's claim of insanity. A judge has scheduled a hearing into Provenzano's mental state next week in Bartow.

Futch later said he shouldn't have made the comment. But he still offered to pound Provenzano's cross into the ground of Florida State Prison if that's the only way to put him to death.

"I just got carried away. My attitude is if this guy thinks he's Jesus Christ, I'm all for crucifying the (s.o.b.)," Futch said.

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