Florida puts 77-year-old man to death for deputy's murder as state closes in on execution record
A 77-year-old Florida man was put to death in the Sunshine State's 18th execution this year as Gov. Ron DeSantis continues the state's accelerated execution pace.
TL;DR
- William Reaves, 77, was executed in Florida for the murder of deputy Richard Raczkoski in 1986.
- This was Florida's 18th execution of the year, continuing an accelerated pace under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
- Reaves' legal team challenged the state's lethal injection protocol and argued his PTSD diagnosis was not adequately considered.
- The victim's brother stated justice was served, while the sheriff described the execution as closure.
- Florida has significantly increased its execution rate in recent years, nearing its 2025 record.