Florida Man Set for State Record 10th Execution in 2025

Kayle Bates, 67, convicted of abducting and murdering Janet White in 1982, is scheduled for execution by lethal injection at Florida State Prison under a death warrant signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. This execution would mark Florida's 10th death sentence carried out in 2025, setting a new state record for executions in a single year, with two more scheduled in the coming month. Bates was found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted sexual battery after abducting White from her insurance office, attempting to rape her, stabbing her to death, and removing a diamond ring from her finger. Bates' legal team has filed multiple appeals, including claims that DeSantis' death warrant signing process is discriminatory, but these were dismissed by both federal and Florida Supreme Courts, which also rejected arguments about inadequate consideration of Bates' alleged organic brain damage. A final appeal is pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. Florida leads the U.S. in executions this year, having carried out more than any other state, with Texas and South Carolina tied for second place.