by Florida – Florida is poised to reach a new high in executions for 2025 as David Pittman, 63, faces lethal injection this Wednesday. This will mark the state’s 12th execution this year, setting a record in the state’s modern history. Pittman was convicted of the brutal murders of his estranged wife’s sister and parents, coupled with an arson attack on their home.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who has authorized more executions this year than any previous Florida governor, signed Pittman’s death warrant following the rejection of his final appeal by the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday.
A Closer Look at David Pittman’s Case
Pittman was convicted in 1991 of three counts of first-degree murder related to the 1990 killings of his estranged wife’s family members in Mulberry, Florida. The victims included Clarence Knowles, 60, his wife Barbara Knowles, 50, and their daughter Bonnie Knowles, 21. The murders were accompanied by arson and grand theft, with Pittman setting their home and Bonnie’s car on fire after attacking them.
- The murders took place during a contentious divorce between Pittman and his wife, Marie.
- He had threatened to harm the family multiple times before the killings.
- Trial evidence included eyewitness testimony identifying Pittman fleeing the burning vehicle and jailhouse informant statements admitting the crimes.
- Jurors recommended the death penalty with a 9-3 vote.
The Controversy Over Intellectual Disability Claims
Pittman’s latest appeals focused on claims that he suffers from an intellectual disability, supported by an IQ in the low 70s. His defense argued that executing him would violate the constitutional prohibition against executing individuals with severe mental impairments.
However, state lawyers contended these claims were untimely and that Pittman was not intellectually disabled at the time of the crimes or trial. In a 2020 reversal, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that such claims cannot be applied retroactively.
“Pittman’s underlying intellectual disability claim is meritless. He was not intellectually disabled when he murdered the three victims in 1990 or when he went to trial in 1991,” state attorneys told the U.S. Supreme Court.
Florida’s Rising Execution Numbers and Upcoming Scheduled Executions
Florida leads the nation in executions in 2025, with 12 scheduled so far, largely fueled by Governor DeSantis’s active signing of death warrants. Prior to Pittman, 30 people have been executed across the U.S. this year.
The last execution in Florida occurred on August 28 with Curtis Windom, 59, who was convicted of multiple murders in 1992.
Two additional executions are slated for the autumn in Florida:
- Victor Tony Jones – Scheduled for September 30, convicted for the 1990 killings during a robbery.
- Samuel Lee Smithers – Scheduled for October 14, convicted of the 1996 murders of two women.
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The Execution Process in Florida
Florida carries out executions using a three-drug lethal injection protocol that includes:
- A sedative to induce unconsciousness.
- A paralytic agent to prevent movement.
- A drug that stops the heart.
The execution will take place at Florida State Prison near Starke, with Pittman’s lethal injection scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
For more detailed information, visit The Independent.
What Does This Mean for Florida’s Death Penalty Future?
Florida’s aggressive stance on capital punishment under Governor DeSantis has intensified debates around death penalty ethics, mental health considerations, and legal appeals. The upcoming executions this autumn will continue to test the state’s judicial and political approaches to capital punishment.
Key Takeaways:
- David Pittman’s execution marks a historic 12th for Florida in 2025.
- Legal debates persist on intellectual disability claims and retroactive appeals.
- Florida is at the forefront of executions nationwide this year.
- Upcoming executions in September and October continue the state’s active use of the death penalty.
What do you think about Florida’s record executions in 2025? Have you followed recent capital punishment cases in the state? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
