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The state of Florida has scheduled the execution of David Pittman for September 17, a man sentenced to death for the brutal murder of his ex-wife's parents and younger sister, whom he stabbed in 1990 before setting their home on fire in Polk County.
The execution order was signed last Friday by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, and if carried out, it will mark the twelfth execution of the year in Florida, a historic record since the death penalty was reinstated in the United States in 1976, according to reports from Fox News and CNN.
Pittman, now 63 years old, was undergoing a divorce from his then-wife, Marie, when he broke into the home of his in-laws, Clarence and Barbara Knowles, in May 1990. There, he fatally stabbed them along with the couple's youngest daughter, Bonnie Knowles, according to authorities.
After the attack, he set the house on fire and fled in the young woman's car, which he also burned later. A witness identified him fleeing from the flaming vehicle, while an informant from the jail testified that Pittman confessed to the crimes.
In 1991, Pittman was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder, in addition to arson and grand theft, for which he received the death penalty.
Record number of executions under DeSantis's governorship
If the sentence is carried out, Pittman will become the twelfth inmate executed in Florida in 2025, significantly surpassing the previous record of eight executions in a year, set in 2014.
Florida is the state with the most executions this year, with nine deaths already carried out by July, while Texas and South Carolina share the second spot with four each. In total, 28 people have been executed in the United States in 2025, surpassing figures from recent years.
The Pittman case is not entirely closed, as the Florida Supreme Court has a pending appeal hearing, and it is also expected that his defense will attempt to halt the execution before the United States Supreme Court, according to both news outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Execution of David Pittman and the Death Penalty in Florida
Why is David Pittman going to be executed in Florida?
David Pittman was sentenced to death for the murder of his ex-wife's parents and younger sister in 1990. After the crime, he set the victims' house on fire. His execution is scheduled for September 17, 2025.
What is the record for executions in Florida under Ron DeSantis's administration?
In 2025, Florida has reached a historic record with 12 scheduled executions, surpassing the previous record of eight executions in a year. This figure reflects an aggressive state policy towards the implementation of the death penalty, promoted by Governor Ron DeSantis.
What arguments are being used to try to halt the execution of David Pittman?
The defense of Pittman plans to file appeals with the Florida Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court to seek to halt the execution. While the specific details of the appeals have not been disclosed, it is common for defenses to argue about potential procedural errors or to allege mitigating circumstances in capital punishment cases.
How does Florida compare to other states in terms of executions in 2025?
Florida is the state with the most executions in 2025, with a total of 12 scheduled. It is followed by Texas and South Carolina, each with four executions. In total, 28 people have been executed in the United States so far this year.
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