Florida State Prison, Raiford —
A man convicted of the brutal 2001 strangling of a beloved Miami Herald employee was executed Wednesday evening, ending more than two decades of legal battles and emotional testimony from the victim’s family.
Richard Lynn Foster, 56, was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m. after receiving a lethal injection at Florida State Prison. His execution marks the latest in a string of high-profile capital punishment cases in the state this year.
Foster was convicted in 2003 for the murder of 39-year-old Teresa Alvarado, a longtime production staffer at the Miami Herald who was described by coworkers as “kind, dependable, and the heart of the newsroom.” Prosecutors said Foster, a former maintenance worker with a long criminal history, broke into Alvarado’s apartment during a burglary attempt and strangled her when she unexpectedly returned home from work.
The case rocked the Miami community and prompted outpourings of grief from colleagues and readers alike. Foster never expressed public remorse during his trial, maintaining a largely emotionless demeanor.
But in his final moments, witnesses said the tone shifted.
Final Words and a Message to the Family
“I know I can’t undo the pain I’ve caused,” Foster said, strapped to the gurney with a team of corrections officers standing nearby. “To the Alvarado family—I am sorry. I should have never taken her from you.”
It was the first time Foster had offered any direct apology since his arrest more than 20 years ago.
Teresa Alvarado’s brother, Michael, was present in the witness chamber and released a brief statement afterward. “Nothing brings her back, but we’ve waited a long time for justice,” he said. “Her memory lives on in everyone who loved her.”
His Last Meal
As is customary in Florida executions, Foster was allowed to choose a final meal. According to prison officials, he requested:
- Fried chicken
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Macaroni and cheese
- Cornbread
- A large slice of pecan pie
- A Diet Coke
Officials noted that Foster, who had been described as “morbidly obese” in court documents and medical reports, had gained considerable weight during his time on death row, reportedly weighing over 400 pounds at the time of his execution.
Public Reaction and Broader Debate
The case has sparked renewed debate about the death penalty in Florida, with some calling it a necessary measure for justice, and others questioning the ethics of capital punishment after decades-long delays.
“The state took 22 years to carry out this sentence,” said Carla Jennings, a legal analyst and death penalty critic. “It’s worth asking: Does that serve justice—or just prolong pain for everyone involved?”
Still, for many connected to Alvarado, closure finally arrived.
“She was the light of our newsroom,” said Linda Torres, a Miami Herald colleague who worked with Alvarado for nearly a decade. “This doesn’t erase the heartbreak, but at least we know the man who took her life has answered for it.”
Foster’s execution is the fourth in Florida this year. He did not request any spiritual advisor or family presence at the time of his death.