Starke, FL – Florida continues to break records in 2025 as it carried out its 12th execution of the year on Wednesday, when David Pittman, 63, was put to death by lethal injection at Florida State Prison. Convicted of the brutal triple murder of his estranged wife’s sister and parents, as well as arson, Pittman’s execution highlights the state’s unprecedented pace in carrying out capital punishment this year.
Pittman’s case has sparked controversy and debate surrounding intellectual disability claims, justice, and the death penalty. Despite his final appeals and assertions of innocence until his death, the state proceeded with the sentence, reinforcing Florida’s position as the leading state in executions nationwide for 2025.
The Crime That Led to the Death Sentence
In May 1990, David Pittman committed a horrific crime that sealed his fate. While going through a divorce, he went to the home of his estranged wife Marie’s family in Polk County, fatally stabbing Clarence and Barbara Knowles, the parents, and their 21-year-old daughter, Bonnie Knowles. After the murders, Pittman set the family home on fire and also burned Bonnie’s car, which he had stolen.
- The murders were premeditated, with prior threats from Pittman to harm the family.
- He was convicted in 1991 on three counts of first-degree murder, arson, and grand theft.
- Jurors recommended the death penalty by a 9-3 vote.
- Evidence against him included a witness who saw him running from the burning vehicle and testimony from a jailhouse informant.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the execution as just, stating,
“He was evil then. He never changed. This evil man wiped out an entire family.”
Controversy Surrounding Intellectual Disability Claims
In his final appeals, Pittman’s defense argued that he suffers from intellectual disabilities that were apparent at the time of the crimes, making his execution unconstitutional. However, the courts, including the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court, rejected these appeals, stating procedural rules prevented retroactive application of such claims.
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty condemned the execution, highlighting Pittman’s traumatic childhood and lifelong disabilities:
“We the People of the State of Florida killed David Pittman, an intellectually disabled man… Violence, neglect, and hardship shaped David’s childhood long before the State ever called him a defendant.”
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Florida’s Unprecedented Execution Pace in 2025
With Pittman’s execution, Florida has now set a new record with 12 executions so far this year, surpassing the previous high of eight in 2014. The state is far ahead of others, with Texas and South Carolina tied for second place with four executions each in 2025.
- Florida’s next executions are scheduled for September 30 and October 14, bringing the total potentially to 14 executions this year.
- The 13th execution is for Victor Tony Jones, convicted of a double murder during a robbery.
- The 14th execution will be for Samuel Lee Smithers, convicted of murdering two women.
- Across the entire U.S., 31 people have been executed so far in 2025.
Critics argue this rapid pace does not enhance public safety and instead causes additional trauma to families and communities.
“There is zero evidence to show that this unprecedented pace of executions is keeping the people of the State of Florida any safer,” said Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
Looking Forward: What Lies Ahead for Florida’s Death Penalty?
Florida’s aggressive use of the death penalty this year has drawn national and international attention. Legal challenges concerning intellectual disabilities and procedural fairness continue to raise ethical and constitutional questions. The state’s high execution numbers reflect policy decisions under Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration, who has signed multiple death warrants.
This record-setting year signals a possible trend of increased executions, raising debates about:
- The role of mental health and intellectual disability considerations in capital punishment cases.
- Whether stringent timing rules should continue to override substantive evidence in final appeals.
- The long-term implications for justice and human rights in Florida.
To explore more about Florida’s execution records and the cases involved, visit the original report by Fox News.