TALLAHASSEE, FL.A death warrant signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida calls for the execution of a man who fatally killed his estranged wife’s sister and parents before setting their home on fire.
David Pittman, 63, will be put to death on September 17 in the record-breaking 12th execution this year. While two other men, Kyle Bates and Curtis Windom, are awaiting execution later this month, DeSantis signed the warrant on Friday.
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In 2014, there were eight executions in Florida, the most since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death sentence in 1976. With nine executions so far this year, Florida has more than any other state, with Texas and South Carolina sharing second place with four apiece.
In the United States, there have been 28 executions so far this year, more than the 25 that were carried out the previous year. It is comparable to 2015, when 28 people were executed as well.
According to court documents, Pittman was found guilty on three charges of first-degree murder in 1991 and given the death penalty. He was also convicted by jurors of grand theft and arson.
According to officials, Pittman visited her parents, Clarence and Barbara Knowles, in Polk County in May 1990 while he and his wife, Marie, were divorcing. Both the couple and their younger daughter, Bonnie, were fatally stabbed by Pittman. According to investigators, he then stole Bonnie Knowles’ car and set it on fire after setting the house on fire.
Pittman was recognized by a witness as the individual fleeing the flaming vehicle. Pittman had also confessed to the murders, according to testimony from a jailhouse snitch.
An appeal has already been set to be heard by the Florida Supreme Court. Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court will probably receive an appeal.
