TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A man from Florida, who was convicted of killing his estranged wife’s sister and parents and then setting their house on fire, is scheduled to be executed following a death warrant issued by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
David Pittman, 63, is slated to be executed on September 17, marking the 12th execution planned for this year in Florida. Governor DeSantis signed the death warrant on Friday. Meanwhile, two others, Kayle Bates and Curtis Windom, are also waiting for their execution dates later this month.
The most recent record for annual executions in Florida was eight in 2014, following the reinstatement of the death penalty by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976. With nine executions carried out already, Florida has surpassed all other states, with Texas and South Carolina each having four executions so far.
A total of 28 executions have been conducted across the U.S. this year, surpassing last year’s total of 25. This year matches 2015, which also saw 28 executions nationwide.
Pittman received a conviction and death sentence in 1991 for committing three first-degree murders, based on court documents. He was also found guilty of arson and grand theft by the jury.
The incident occurred in May 1990 when Pittman and his wife, Marie, were in the process of divorcing. Pittman went to the home of her parents, Clarence and Barbara Knowles, in Polk County, officials stated. He fatally stabbed the couple and their younger daughter, Bonnie. Afterward, he set the house ablaze and stole Bonnie Knowles’ car, which he later also set on fire, according to investigators.
A witnessed identified Pittman as the person running away from the burning car. A jailhouse informant also testified that Pittman had admitted to the killings.
The Florida Supreme Court is already scheduled to hear an appeal. An appeal will also likely be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court.
