A Florida man convicted of brutally killing three kinfolk of his estranged spouse greater than three a long time in the past was executed Wednesday night, marking the state’s document twelfth execution of the 12 months.
David Pittman, 63, was pronounced lifeless at 6:12 p.m. following a deadly injection at Florida State Jail below a loss of life warrant signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“I do know you all got here to observe an harmless man be murdered by the state of Florida. I’m harmless. I didn’t kill anyone. That’s it,” Pittman stated in his closing assertion, in response to DeSantis’ spokesperson Alex Lanfranconi. Witnesses reported he took a number of deep breaths because the medication had been administered earlier than turning into nonetheless.
Pittman was sentenced to loss of life in 1991 after a Polk County jury convicted him of stabbing his spouse’s dad and mom, Clarence and Barbara Knowles, and their youthful daughter, Bonnie Knowles, at their Mulberry house. Prosecutors stated Pittman lower the household’s cellphone line earlier than the assault, set the home on hearth, and later torched Bonnie’s automotive after stealing it. Jurors additionally discovered him responsible of arson and grand theft.
The murders got here as Pittman and his spouse, Marie, had been locked in a bitter divorce. Testimony revealed he had beforehand threatened her household. A witness recognized him fleeing from Bonnie’s burning automotive, and a jailhouse informant testified Pittman confessed whereas in custody. Jurors voted 9-3 to suggest the loss of life penalty.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who attended Wednesday’s execution, stated Pittman’s punishment was lengthy overdue. “He was evil then. He by no means modified. This evil man worn out a complete household,” Judd stated.
Pittman’s attorneys had argued in last-minute appeals that he suffered from mental disabilities, citing an IQ within the low 70s. They stated executing him would violate constitutional protections. Courts rejected these claims, with the U.S. Supreme Courtroom declining his closing enchantment Tuesday.
This 12 months, 31 individuals have been executed nationwide, with Florida main the nation. DeSantis has signed extra loss of life warrants than any of his predecessors. Two extra executions are scheduled within the state this fall: Victor Tony Jones on Sept. 30 and Samuel Lee Smithers on Oct. 14.
Florida makes use of a three-drug protocol for deadly injections, consisting of a sedative, a paralytic, and a drug that stops the center.
