Florida Man to be Executed for 1986 Deputy Murder

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Florida Man to be Executed for 1986 Deputy Murder

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William Reaves Jr., 77, is scheduled to be executed on October 20, 2026, for the murder of Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Raczkoski, which occurred nearly 40 years ago. Governor Ron DeSantis signed Reaves’ death warrant on September 18, 2026. This marks the 18th death warrant issued by DeSantis in 2026. Florida set a modern record for executions in 2025 with 19, and if all scheduled executions proceed, the state’s total for 2026 will reach 18.

The murder took place on September 23, 1986, when Deputy Raczkoski responded to a 911 call from a payphone outside a convenience store near Vero Beach. Reaves had called 911 because he needed a cab and lacked money. While Raczkoski was arranging a taxi and checking for outstanding warrants, a .38-caliber pistol fell from Reaves’ shorts. A struggle ensued over the weapon, with Reaves eventually gaining control of the gun. As Deputy Raczkoski attempted to flee, Reaves fired, hitting the deputy four times, including in the back. Raczkoski, 29, died shortly after. Reaves later confessed to a friend, stating he was high on cocaine and panicked. He was arrested two days later in Albany, Georgia.

Reaves was initially convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in September 1987. However, this conviction was overturned in 1991 due to a prosecutor on the case having previously represented Reaves. A second trial in 1992 again resulted in a conviction for first-degree murder and a death sentence. Appeals have continued for decades. Sheriff Eric Flowers of Indian River County has been a vocal advocate for Reaves’ execution, noting that this week marks the 40th anniversary of Deputy Raczkoski’s death. Sheriff Flowers plans to be present at the execution.

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