Florida Executes 77-Year-Old Veteran as State Leads Nation in Executions

William Reaves, 77, was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison on October 20, 2026, marking Florida's 18th execution this year and the eighth prisoner over 70 put to death[1][2][11]. This execution occurred despite pleas from over 100 fellow veterans who alleged that significant combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) evidence was not presented during Reaves' trial[1][6][7][8][9].

This event intensifies ongoing debates about capital punishment, the consideration of mitigating mental health evidence like combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the age of inmates facing execution[1][2][6]. It also highlights Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive approach to the death penalty, which has set a rapid pace for executions in the state[1][2][11].

What the Records Show

William Reaves was convicted of first-degree murder for the September 23, 1986, shooting death of Indian River County Deputy Richard Raczkowski[1][2][11][13]. According to court records, Deputy Raczkowski responded to a 911 call Reaves placed at a Vero Beach convenience store[2][11][15]. A gun fell from Reaves' shorts during their conversation, leading to a struggle over the firearm[2][11][15]. Investigators stated Reaves regained control of the weapon and shot the deputy four times as he tried to flee[2][11]. The Department of Veterans Affairs had classified Reaves as 100% disabled due to his service-related PTSD[8][9]. However, the jury that recommended his death sentence never heard expert testimony about his combat-related PTSD[6][8][9]. Former attorney Chance Meyer stated mental health experts believed Reaves experienced a flashback, triggered by uniforms and guns, making him believe he was fighting for his life[6]. Meyer emphasized that Reaves "acted reflexively"[6].

The Timeline

Reaves was initially convicted and sentenced to death in 1987[2][13][15]. The Florida Supreme Court reversed this conviction in 1991 due to a conflict of interest with the prosecutor, ordering a new trial[2][13]. Reaves was reconvicted and sentenced to death a second time in 1992[2][13]. Subsequent appeals and post-conviction motions were unsuccessful; a federal district court granted relief twice, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit reversed these decisions, citing procedural rules[6][13]. On October 14, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the denial of his last-minute claims and refused to stay the execution[13]. In the week prior to his death, the Florida Supreme Court rejected Reaves' final appeals and a stay of execution[2][9][11].

What Changed and For Whom

Governor Ron DeSantis has overseen an aggressive use of the death penalty, setting a modern-era state record of 19 executions in 2025[2][5][9][10]. Florida is positioned to match or exceed this record in 2026, with 18 executions by October 20 and another scheduled for November[2][5][9][10]. Governor DeSantis' stated goal is "to bring justice to victims' families who have waited decades for the death sentences to be carried out"[2][9][11]. More than 100 veterans urged Governor DeSantis to halt Reaves' execution, citing his unaddressed PTSD[7][8][9].

What the Subject Has Said Publicly

Reaves acknowledged placing the 911 call at the convenience store[2][11][15]. His confession states that a gun fell out of his pants during his interaction with the deputy, leading to a struggle over the weapon[15].

What We Could Not Confirm

We could not confirm the specific content of the 911 call placed by William Reaves or whether he made any final statements before his execution.