This man is scheduled to be executed today in Florida

DUANEWS | October 20, 2026

STARKE, Fla. — Florida is preparing to carry out another execution Tuesday evening, bringing the state closer to matching its record for the highest number of executions in a single year.

William Reaves, 77, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection at 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, at Florida State Prison near Starke.

Reaves was sentenced to death for the 1986 murder of Richard Raczkoski, a 29-year-old deputy with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

If the execution proceeds as scheduled, Reaves will become the 18th person executed in Florida in 2026.

A Murder That Happened 40 Years Ago

The case dates back to September 23, 1986, when Deputy Raczkoski responded to a convenience store near Vero Beach after Reaves called for assistance.

According to court records, a handgun fell from Reaves’ clothing while the two men were speaking. A struggle followed as the deputy attempted to secure the weapon.

Reaves regained control of the gun and fired four shots into the deputy’s back as the officer attempted to move away.

Raczkoski later died from his injuries.

Reaves fled Florida but was subsequently arrested in Georgia. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1987.

His original conviction was overturned because of a conflict of interest involving the prosecutor. Following a second trial, Reaves was convicted again and sentenced to death in 1992.

More Than 100 Veterans Ask Governor to Stop Execution

Reaves is a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War.

His attorneys have argued that he suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder related to his military service and that jurors were not fully informed about his condition when considering his punishment.

More than 100 military veterans reportedly sent a letter to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday, asking him to grant clemency and stop the execution.

The Florida Supreme Court rejected Reaves’ latest appeals last week, including challenges involving the state’s lethal injection procedures.

As of Tuesday morning, final appeals were still pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Florida Approaches Another Execution Record

Florida carried out 19 executions in 2025, setting a state record for a single year.

With Reaves’ execution scheduled for Tuesday, the state is on track to reach 18 executions in 2026.

Another execution is scheduled for November 5, involving Jesse Guardado, 64, who was convicted of a 2004 murder.

If both executions proceed, Florida will match its record of 19 executions.

The state has already carried out more than half of all executions recorded across the United States this year.

Governor Ron DeSantis has defended the increased pace of executions, emphasizing the importance of delivering justice to victims’ families who have waited decades for sentences to be carried out.

Execution Scheduled for 6 PM

Reaves is scheduled to receive a three-drug lethal injection at Florida State Prison.

The procedure involves medications intended to sedate the prisoner, cause paralysis, and stop the heart.

The execution remains scheduled for 6 p.m. Eastern Time, subject to any last-minute court intervention or decision by the governor.