DeSantis Signed Death Warrant for William Reaves
The governor issued the warrant for the 1986 murder of Indian River County Deputy Sheriff Richard Raczkowski.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for William Reaves, who was convicted of murdering Deputy Sheriff Richard Raczkowski in 1986. Reaves is currently scheduled for execution by lethal injection on October 20, 2026.
Why it matters
The warrant marks another step in a high-volume year for capital punishment in Florida. State authorities continue to move through long-standing death row cases as part of the governor's ongoing execution schedule.
Reaves was convicted of shooting Deputy Richard Raczkowski four times in the back in 1986. A second jury sentenced him to death by a 10-2 vote following a 1991 Florida Supreme Court reversal of his initial conviction.
The players
Ron DeSantis
He is the current Governor of Florida who has overseen an increase in signed death warrants during his tenure.
William Reaves
He is the death row inmate convicted of the 1986 murder of a law enforcement officer in Indian River County.
Richard Raczkowski
He was the Indian River County Deputy Sheriff who was killed in the line of duty near Vero Beach.
Florida Supreme Court
This is the state's highest judicial body, which previously overturned the initial conviction against Reaves in 1991.
The details
Reaves was arrested at a bus stop three days after the fatal shooting occurred outside a convenience store near Vero Beach. He reportedly confessed to a friend that he wrestled the deputy's service weapon away during a struggle and fired upon him while under the influence of cocaine.
Timeline
September 23, 1986: William Reaves killed Indian River County Deputy Sheriff Richard Raczkowski.
September 1987: A first jury found Reaves guilty of first-degree murder.
1991: The Florida Supreme Court reversed the original conviction and sentence.
February 1992: A second jury convicted Reaves of first-degree murder.
October 20, 2026: Reaves is scheduled for execution.
Legal Context
The case follows a pattern of extended litigation often seen in Florida capital cases, where convictions are frequently challenged by appellate courts. This specific warrant represents one of 18 issued in 2026 alone, highlighting a consistent state-level effort to finalize older death penalty sentences.
The scheduled execution at the Florida State Prison typically necessitates heightened security protocols around the facility. Residents in the area should anticipate increased law enforcement presence and potential road monitoring near the prison grounds on the date of the execution.
The takeaway
The issuance of this warrant underscores the state's ongoing commitment to finalizing long-pending capital cases. It serves as a reminder of the lengthy judicial processes that precede the ultimate administration of a death sentence in Florida.
Further reading
For additional context on the state's legal proceedings, visit the Criminal Justice section.
