Unusual reason Florida's oldest death row inmate declined final meal before execution

'What would be your death row meal?' is a questions thousands of citizens ask each other - but an inmate who was able to have one, declined saying he 'didn't need one'.

One of Florida's oldest inmates in the state's history, Dennis Sochor, 74, was convicted of murdering and kidnapping Patricia Gifford in 1982, after a New Years Eve party. He was executed by lethal injection on July 14 2026, 44 years after committing the crime.

Inmates in Florida are all entitled to a final death row meal, although the state, although under their current policy, the meal cannot exceed $40 in total cost. Fast food orders are also prohibited for inmates in the state.

Sochor, however, totalled $0, telling Patheos a day before his execution: “I don’t need a last meal or nothing.

“I think I’m just gonna go on a spiritual journey of prayer and fasting up till tomorrow.”

It wasn't just his final meal he was refusing, however, telling the outlet that he had also refused food from the vending machine as he 'doesn't want to waste time eating'.

Sochor denied having a final meal on death row (Image: Getty Stock)

He also reveals he's in love with a girl name Ellie, adding that instead of eating that he 'wants to look at her all the time'.

Sochor was pronounced dead at 6.16pm on July 14, and had one final thing to say before his passing.

The 74-year-old apologised to Patricia Gifford's family, telling them he was 'deeply sorry,' WUSF reports.

He then thanked his loved ones for their support and 'commended his spirit to Jesus Christ.'

On the fateful night in 1982, Patty Gifford and her friend were approached by Sochor and his brother in a South Florida bar, the Banana Boat.

Her friend later left due to feeling unwell, and Gifford later left with the brothers, as they planned to go for food. However, she was driven to a remote location and was later killed.

Sochor was arrested four years after the murder, in 1986.

Gifford was murdered by Sochor on New Year's Eve (Family Handout)

Last month, Florida executed Dusty Ray Spencer, who was also 74 years old, after spending more than three decades on death row.

He was convicted for the murder of his wife, Karen Spencer, which took place in 1992.

Unlike Sochor, Spencer did decide to have a final meal, in which he chose to go for pizza, french fries and a milkshake.

Moments before his death, he said: "Sorry, sorry to the family. Into thy hands I commit my spirit and my soul. I’m on my way, Lord. I’m on my way. Amen."