Florida's Execution Rate Surges Under Governor DeSantis

Florida is poised to conduct its 18th execution of the year, a move that edges the state closer to matching its record number of executions in a single year. This comes as Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican completing his final term, continues his aggressive use of the death penalty.

William Reaves Scheduled for Execution

William Reaves, 77, is set to be executed after being convicted of first-degree murder for the 1986 shooting of Indian River County Deputy Richard Raczkowski. If carried out as scheduled, Reaves will become the eighth prisoner over the age of 70 to be executed in Florida this year. His execution is set for 6 p.m. at the Florida State Prison near Starke, using a three-drug lethal injection protocol.

Details of the Crime and Legal Proceedings

According to court records, Deputy Raczkowski responded to a 911 call at a Vero Beach convenience store in September 1986, which Reaves later admitted to making from a payphone. During their encounter, a firearm fell from Reaves' shorts. A struggle ensued, and Reaves ultimately regained control of the gun. Investigators state that Raczkowski tried to flee, but Reaves shot him four times, resulting in the deputy's death.

Reaves was first convicted and sentenced to death a year after the incident. However, the Florida Supreme Court overturned the conviction due to a prosecutorial conflict of interest, leading to a retrial. In 1992, Reaves was convicted and sentenced to death again, but subsequent appeals have been unsuccessful. His final state-level appeals were rejected by the Florida Supreme Court last week, with further appeals still pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Execution Methods and Legal Challenges

Florida executions utilize a three-drug lethal injection method, differing from the single-drug protocols used in other states such as Tennessee. The drugs administered include a sedative, a paralytic, and a drug to stop the heart. Defense attorneys for Reaves challenged this method, but the courts have consistently upheld Florida's lethal injection protocol against similar legal opposition.

Another argument raised on Reaves’ behalf is that the jury was not informed of his status as an Army veteran rated 100% disabled for post-traumatic stress disorder by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, stemming from his Vietnam War service. Over 100 veterans recently sent a letter to Governor DeSantis requesting clemency. This underscores broader concerns about veteran death row inmates and the role of post-traumatic stress in capital punishment cases.

Florida Poised to Tie Execution Record

Last year, Florida executed 19 individuals, marking its highest ever in a calendar year. Should the November execution of Jesse Guardado occur as scheduled, the state would reach that same total for 2025. Guardado, 64, was convicted of robbing and killing a woman in 2004 to procure drugs.

Florida continues to outpace other states in carrying out executions. Of the 31 executions performed in the U.S. so far this year, more than half have taken place in Florida. In July, the state became the first in nearly a decade to execute two prisoners in a single day.

National Context of Capital Punishment

A total of 47 executions have occurred nationwide in 2025. Florida's active use of the death penalty under Governor DeSantis has made it a focal point in national debates regarding capital punishment, aging death row inmates, and execution appeals.

Source: abcnews.com.