Florida man faces execution for 1996 killing connected to ‘Hog Trail Murders’ in woods

Daniel Owen Conahan Jr., 72, is set to be executed by lethal injection on Thursday, marking Florida's 15th execution of the year. He was convicted in 1999 for the 1996 kidnapping and strangling of Richard Allen Montgomery, whose body was found in a wooded area of Charlotte County, north of Fort Myers. This area, known as the "Hog Trail Murders" location, became notorious for the discovery of at least six mutilated bodies over three years due to its swampy, wooded surroundings.

Conahan, who maintains his innocence, was initially arrested after a man in prison claimed that Conahan lured him to a remote area and offered to pay him for nude photos. The man reportedly drove off in Conahan's car after seeing a knife. Conahan was convicted by a judge without a jury trial and waived his right to a trial. Despite multiple appeals, Florida's Supreme Court denied his final appeals, including one for additional DNA testing.

The case has garnered significant media attention over the past three decades, featuring on various true-crime television shows, YouTube channels, and podcasts.