Death row inmate has regretful final words before being executed for 1989 murder

Ronald Palmer Heath has been put to death for the 1989 killing of Michael Sheridan marking Florida's first execution of 2026.

On Tuesday (February 10), Ronald Palmer Heath was given the lethal injection at around 6pm at Florida State Prison near Starke.

The 64-year-old had been on death row for 35 years following being convicted of multiple forgery charges, robbery with a deadly weapon and first-degree murder in the 1989 killing of traveling salesman Michael Sheridan.

Ronald was sentenced to death, but his brother Kenneth made a plea deal and testified against him. Kenneth was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

While he's now eligible for parole, his brother was executed by lethal injection. And Ronald shared several words with a warden shortly before his death was declared at 6.12pm.

Heath killed travelling salesman Michael Sheridan (WCJB)

When asked for any last words by the warden, Ronald said, as reported by NBC News and quoted by Sky: "I'm sorry. That's all I can say. Thank you."

Courts records state Ronald and Kenneth Heath met Sheridan at a bar in Gainesville in May 1989.

The salesman reportedly asked the pair if they had any marijuana and they then plotted to rob him, luring him to a remote area.

Kenneth held Sheridan at gunpoint demanding he turn anything over. The salesman refused and Kenneth shot him in the chest.

Sheridan then reportedly started to empty his pockets, but Ronald kicked him before stabbing him with a hunting knife and the attack escalated even further.

Ronald Heath was Florida's first execution of 2026 (Florida Department of Corrections)

Kenneth then shot Sheridan twice in the head before the brothers dumped his body in a wooded area.

The brothers were apprehended after being caught making purchases using Sheridan's credit cards, having also returned to the bar to steal from the salesman's car.

Ronald was described as the driving force behind the robbery and murder, with records alleging he ordered Kenneth to shoot.

However, the FADP has condemned Ronald being 'put to death for a murder he did not commit,' emphasizing it was Kenneth who 'undisputed[ly]' pulled the 'trigger'.

Heath is the first person to be executed in the state this year, following 19 executions in 2025.

FADP resolved: "Tonight, Florida killed a man for a death he did not cause and in doing so created several more murder victims’ family members. And these new victims will never see their loved one’s killer brought to 'justice.'"

UNILAD has contacted Florida Department of Corrections for comment.