Florida executed Chadwick Willacy on Thursday for his role in the 2017 murder of 16-year-old Kayla Miller in Palm Bay. The execution marks the first time the state has carried out a death sentence since 2020. Willacy was convicted of first-degree murder after a jury found him guilty of shooting Miller during a home invasion. The killing shocked the community, with neighbors describing the area as typically quiet. 'It's a small town, and something like this doesn't happen often,' said one resident who declined to be named. Willacy's attorney had previously argued that his client's mental health should have prevented the death penalty, but the jury rejected that claim. The execution took place at Florida State Prison in Starke, approximately 100 miles from Palm Bay. Miller's family released a statement after the execution, saying they hoped it would bring closure. 'Kayla's life was taken in an instant, and nothing can change that,' the statement read. The case drew attention from local prosecutors, who emphasized the need for swift justice in violent crimes. No other details about the execution or Willacy's final moments were disclosed by prison officials. The killing remains a sensitive topic in Palm Bay, where residents have called for increased police presence and community programs to prevent similar tragedies.