Jacksonville, Fla. – Bishop Felipe J. Estévez joined the Florida Catholic Bishops in urging Governor Scott to commute the sentence of Johnny Kormondy, scheduled for execution on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at 6 p.m., to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Mr. Kormondy deserves severe punishment for the 1993 murder of Gary McAdams and the brutal crimes against his wife, Cecilia McAdams. However, imposing a sentence of death as a consequence of killing perpetuates a cycle of violence.

Although the State has the right to carry out the death penalty in order to protect society, the unnecessary, deliberate taking of any life denies the dignity of all persons, contributes to an ever-growing disrespect for the sacredness of human life, and feeds a sense of vengeance rather than justice. Society remains safe when violent criminals are imprisoned for life.

The Florida Catholic Conference appeals to all people of faith and goodwill to pray for both victim and aggressor, and their families, for our society which continues to impose violence in return for violence, and for an end to the use of the death penalty. Catholic faithful and members of the community will gather in solidarity at the following times and locations in North Florida:

Alachua County
A carpool will be leaving at 4:30 p.m. from the parking lot of St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center, 1738 W. University Avenue, Gainesville, to go to the Florida State Prison in Starke. Contact: Julie Schilling, (352) 372-3533, ext. 112 or email Julie@catholicgators.org.

Bradford County
Across the highway from the Florida State Prison Execution Building, Starke, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Drive eight miles west of US 301 on Florida Highway 16 West.

Duval County
In front of the new Duval County Unified Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Contact: Jackie Gunning, (904) 449-3328 or email Jacqueline.gunning@bmcjax.com or Sister Maureen Kelley, (904) 704-0313 or email mkelleyop@att.net.

Flagler County 
In front of the Flagler County Courthouse, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, from 5 to 6 p.m.  Contact: Jackie Morelewicz, (386) 986-3146 or by email jackiem@cfl.rr.com.  

St. Johns County
In front of the St. Augustine Beach City Hall at the corner of A1A and 16th Street, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Contact: Nancy O’Byrne, (904) 461-9216 or email obyrnen@bellsouth.net.