Florida Will Execute William Reaves on October 20

The 77-year-old veteran faces execution for a 1986 murder following a death warrant signed by the Governor.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Military

Florida Will Execute William Reaves on October 20

Florida has scheduled the execution of 77-year-old William Reaves for October 20, 2026. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant on September 22, 2026, for the murder of a deputy.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing debate over capital punishment as Reaves' family petitions for clemency based on his military service, post-traumatic stress disorder, and previous legal representation.

Reaves was convicted for the 1986 death of Deputy Richard Raczkowski, who was 29 at the time of the shooting. The scheduled event would mark the 18th execution carried out in the state throughout 2026.

The players

William Reaves

He is a 77-year-old Vietnam War veteran convicted of the 1986 murder of a deputy in Indian River County.

Ron DeSantis

He serves as the Governor of Florida and signed the death warrant for Reaves in September 2026.

Richard Raczkowski

He was a 29-year-old deputy who was fatally shot while responding to a situation in 1986.

Florida Supreme Court

This is the state's highest judicial body, which currently has a pending appeal regarding the execution.

The details

Reaves shot Deputy Richard Raczkowski four times in the back during a 1986 struggle in Indian River County. Before the fatal encounter, Reaves had initiated a 911 call from a convenience store.

September 23, 1986: William Reaves murdered Deputy Richard Raczkowski.
September 22, 2026: Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant.
October 20, 2026: The scheduled date for William Reaves' execution.

Political Context

Opponents of the execution, including the family, argue that his veteran status and untreated PTSD warrant life imprisonment rather than capital punishment. This perspective challenges the standard application of Florida's capital punishment statutes.

The execution date represents a final legal deadline for the state's judicial process. Residents should be aware that this event may lead to heightened local debate regarding state sentencing policies and the rights of veterans within the legal system.

The takeaway

The case illustrates the complex intersection of military history and criminal sentencing in the Florida justice system. Legal appeals continue to play a critical role in the final days leading up to a scheduled state execution.