The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) is urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay the execution of Darryl Barwick that is scheduled for Wednesday.

“Executing Mr. Barwick will not undo the violent acts he perpetrated against Ms. Wendt but rather will perpetuate a cycle of violence,” Michael Sheedy, executive director of the state bishops’ group, wrote in a letter to the governor. “State-sanctioned killing only continues to foster disrespect for the dignity and sacredness of human life. Taking another life is unnecessary, as society can be kept safe from Mr. Barwick through the severe and appropriate punishment of life-long incarceration.” 

The bishops have written to DeSantis three times this year, urging him to halt executions. Two of these appeals were made before the executions of Donald Dillbeck and Louis Bernard Gaskin. Dillbeck, who murdered Faye Vann in 1990, was executed on February 23, while Gaskin, who was found guilty of killing a couple in 1989, was executed on April 12, the Pensacola News Journal said in a report. 

Barwick, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Rebecca Wendt in 1986, is scheduled to be executed at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The FCCB has asked that his sentence be changed to life without parole in a release. 

In November 1986, Barwick, who was 19, was convicted of first-degree murder of 24-year-old Rebecca Wendt. He received the death penalty just two months later. In addition, he was found guilty of armed burglary, attempted sexual battery and other offenses, the Pensacola News Journal report said. 

"Floridians around the state will soon be gathering in prayer for Ms. Wendt and all who have been harmed by Mr. Gaskin's actions, for him, for everyone affected by violent crime, and for an end to the use of the death penalty," Sheedy wrote. "We also pray for you as you consider this request."