Florida hits record execution pace as date set for man who slaughtered wife’s parents and sister
David Pittman, 63, is set to die on September 17 in the record-extending 12th execution scheduled for this year, as two other men await execution later this month
A Florida man, who brutally murdered his estranged wife’s sister and parents before setting their house ablaze, is slated for execution under a death warrant signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, marking the record-breaking 12th execution scheduled in the state this year.
David Pittman, 63, is set to meet his fate on September 17. The warrant was signed by DeSantis on Friday, while two other men, Kayle Bates and Curtis Windom, are also on death row awaiting their executions later this month.
The previous high for annual executions in recent Florida history was eight in 2014, since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976 by the U.S. Supreme Court. So far this year, Florida has executed nine people, outpacing any other state, with Texas and South Carolina tied for second place with four each.
READ MORE: Donald Trump shows ‘classic signs’ of horror disease as expert warns ‘it will get worse’READ MORE: Vladimir Putin covers face in layers of make-up as he appears after ‘will die soon’ claim
The entire U.S. has seen a total of 28 executions in 2025, already surpassing last year’s count of 25. This ties with 2015, when 28 individuals were also put to death.
Pittman was found guilty and sentenced to death in 1991 for three counts of first-degree murder, according to court documents. The jury also convicted him of arson and grand theft.
In May 1990, amidst a divorce from his wife, Marie, Pittman visited the Polk County home of her parents, Clarence and Barbara Knowles. Officials report that Pittman fatally stabbed the couple and their younger daughter, Bonnie.
He then torched the house and stole Bonnie Knowles’ car, which he also set on fire. A witness pointed out Pittman as the individual fleeing from the flaming vehicle.
A jailhouse informant also took the stand, claiming that Pittman confessed to the murders. The Florida Supreme Court has already set a date to hear an appeal.
It’s also expected that an appeal will be lodged with the U.S. Supreme Court. Florida also leads the nation in the number of death row exonerations with 30 inmates freed after wrongful convictions, highlighting concerns about the system’s reliability.
Currently, about 266 to 278 offenders are on death row in the state, making it second only to California .In recent years, lawmakers have made the path to execution notably easier.
A 2023 law now allows a death sentence if just 8 out of 12 jurors agree, down from a unanimous requirement, an unprecedentedly low standard nationwide. Meanwhile, the Florida Legislature has expanded the death penalty for new categories of crimes, including child rape and cases involving individuals like heads of state, or crimes committed during school or religious gatherings.
