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A Florida man, convicted of murdering his estranged wife’s family and subsequently setting their home ablaze, was executed on Wednesday, adding to a record number of executions in the state this year. David Pittman, aged 63, was put to death by lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke, marking the 12th execution in the state in 2023.
Pittman received the lethal injection at 6:12 p.m. He reportedly took several deep breaths before his body became still, as described by The Associated Press.
In his final words, Pittman declared his innocence, stating, “I know you all came to watch an innocent man be murdered by the state of Florida. I am innocent. I didn’t kill anybody. That’s it”. These words were relayed by a spokesperson for Governor Ron DeSantis, who signed the death warrant for Pittman.
Conviction Details and Crime Background
Pittman was convicted in 1991 on three counts of first-degree murder, alongside charges of arson and grand theft, stemming from the horrific events of May 1990. At that time, he was embroiled in a divorce from his wife, Marie. He entered the home of her parents, Clarence and Barbara Knowles, fatally stabbing them, along with their 21-year-old daughter, Bonnie.
After the brutal murders, Pittman set fire to the family home in Polk County and stole Bonnie Knowles’ vehicle, later igniting it as well, authorities stated. Prior threats against the family raised alarm, with a witness identifying Pittman fleeing the scene of the burning car. Moreover, a jail informant testified that Pittman admitted to the killings.
Reactions from Law Enforcement Officials
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd witnessed the execution and characterized it as a just consequence for Pittman’s actions. Judd stated, “He was evil then. He never changed. This evil man wiped out an entire family.”
Prior to the execution, Pittman’s final appeals were dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court. His appeals argued recent evidence of intellectual disabilities present at the time of the crimes. His lawyers contended that executing him would violate constitutional protections against executing individuals with significant mental impairments.
Legal Controversies Surrounding the Execution
However, lawyers for the state maintained that Pittman could not assert claims of mental impairment due to the passage of time. In a significant ruling, the Florida Supreme Court, in 2020, determined that such claims could not be applied retroactively. This ruling highlighted ongoing debates within the state regarding the death penalty and its application.
Advocacy groups, including Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, responded vehemently to the execution, stating, “We the People of the State of Florida killed David Pittman, an intellectually disabled man.” They described his troubled childhood, alleging he suffered abuse and neglect, which contributed to his mental state. They criticized the legal system for dismissing claims of his intellectual disability based on procedural technicalities.
Record Executions in Florida
Pittman’s execution pushes Florida’s total number of executions for 2023 even higher, as Governor DeSantis has signed multiple death warrants this year. Upcoming executions include Victor Tony Jones, scheduled for September 30, for the murder of a married couple during a robbery, and Samuel Lee Smithers, set for October 14, for the murder of two women. This increasing frequency of executions in the Sunshine State constitutes a significant escalation compared to previous years.
Florida has executed more individuals in 2023 than any other U.S. state, significantly outpacing Texas and South Carolina, which each have recorded four executions this year. Nationally, according to reports, 31 people have been executed across the United States thus far.
In light of these developments, advocacy groups argue there is no evidence supporting the claim that the increased rate of executions has enhanced public safety. Moreover, organizations like Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty decried these actions, stating, “Instead, we are tearing apart families and killing broken and traumatized people who should be legally exempt from execution. History will reveal that this killing spree is the darkest time in the Sunshine State.”
Historical Context of Executions in Florida
Before this year, Florida held a record of eight executions in a single year since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The current pace of executions is a significant departure from historical norms, raising ethical and legal questions regarding the state’s approach to capital punishment.
As Florida continues to navigate this complex and controversial aspect of its criminal justice system, the implications of these executions extend beyond the individual cases, sparking public debate over morality, justice, and the future of the death penalty in the state.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
