The Newshound

Florida executes 77-year-old who shot a deputy in 1986, and the sheriff says his peaceful death was 'not justice'

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers, who said William Reaves' peaceful death at 77 was "not justice" for the 1986 murder of deputy Richard Raczkoski.
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers, who said William Reaves' peaceful death at 77 was "not justice" for the 1986 murder of deputy Richard Raczkoski.

William Reaves took a few big breaths and stopped moving about 30 seconds after the lethal dose began at Florida State Prison on Tuesday. Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers asked: 'Would we all be so lucky to be 77 years old and to die so peacefully?' Yet Marc Raczkoski, brother of murdered deputy Richard Raczkoski, said his brother finally got justice. It was Florida's 18th execution this year.

Reaves placed the 911 call himself that drew the deputy to a Vero Beach store.

Raczkoski was shot four times while trying to run away, after a struggle over a gun.

Reaves is the eighth inmate over 70 executed in Florida this year, and the state could tie its record of 19 next month.

MoreMetroFlorida executes eighth death row inmate over 70 so far this yearThe IndependentFour final words from 77-year-old put to death as Florida carries out its 18th execution of the yearAPFlorida puts 77-year-old man to death for a deputy’s killing in its 18th execution this yearNewsweekFlorida Executes Eighth Inmate Over 70 This Year as State Nears RecordFox News USFlorida puts 77-year-old man to death for deputy's murder as state closes in on execution recordUPIFlorida executes Vietnam veteran for 1986 sheriff's deputy murder
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →