Florida executed 77-year-old William Reaves on Tuesday evening for the 1986 murder of Indian River County sheriff’s deputy Richard Raczkowski, marking the state’s 18th execution of 2024 under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Reaves, who did not deliver last words, was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. at Florida State Prison near Starke following a three-drug lethal injection. About 30 seconds after the injection began, he took several deep breaths before ceasing movement. A warden shook his shoulders and shouted his name, but Reaves showed no response. A medic confirmed his death approximately one minute later.
The execution occurred nearly 40 years after the crime, which unfolded on September 23, 1986, when Raczkowski responded to a 911 call placed by Reaves from a payphone outside a Vero Beach convenience store. According to court records, a gun fell from Reaves’ shorts as he spoke with the deputy. The two men struggled over the firearm, and Reaves regained control before shooting Raczkowski four times as he attempted to flee. Raczkowski died from his wounds. Reaves was initially convicted and sentenced to death in 1987, but the Florida Supreme Court overturned the conviction due to a conflict of interest involving a juror. He was re-tried and re-sentenced to death in 1992.
Florida has far outpaced other states in executions this year, with eight inmates over age 70 put to death in 2024. The state set a record with 19 executions in 2023 and has one more scheduled for November, which would tie that mark if carried out. DeSantis, who leaves office in January, has framed the executions as delivering justice to victims’ families who have waited decades for closure. Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers described the execution as closure rather than justice, stating, “Would we all be so lucky to be 77 years old and to die so peacefully? That’s not justice in any way, in my opinion.” Raczkowski’s brother, Marc Raczkowski, told reporters his brother had finally received justice.
The execution process followed standard protocol. After the injection began, Reaves’ breathing stopped within 30 seconds, and prison staff followed established procedures to confirm his death. The case has drawn attention to Florida’s aging death-row population and its accelerated use of the death penalty under DeSantis’ administration. The state’s pace of executions has drawn both support from victims’ families and criticism from advocacy groups who argue the system is flawed and disproportionately affects older inmates.