Governor Ron DeSantis is delivering justice at a record-breaking pace, signing more death warrants in 2025 than any Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated, proving that law and order still matter in the Sunshine State.
Story Highlights
- DeSantis sets historic record with 19 executions scheduled in 2025, surpassing previous high of 8.
- Frank Walls is scheduled for execution on December 18 for home invasion murders and three additional killings.
- Florida leads the nation with 43 total U.S. executions in 2025, demonstrating a commitment to public safety.
- Victims include Air Force servicemen and civilians brutally murdered in their homes.
DeSantis Sets Historic Execution Record
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant Tuesday for Frank Athen Walls, 58, marking an unprecedented commitment to justice in Florida. Walls will face lethal injection on December 18, 2025, becoming the 19th person scheduled for execution under DeSantis this year.
This record-breaking pace surpasses the previous high of eight executions set in 2014, demonstrating that Florida takes a firm stance against heinous crimes when other states waver on capital punishment.
Florida sets record with 15th execution as man dies for 1998 rape, murder of neighbor https://t.co/PiUQBJk3oA pic.twitter.com/GLwdpMnSgb
— New York Post (@nypost) October 29, 2025
Multiple Murder Spree Spanning Three Years
Walls’ killing spree terrorized Florida communities from 1985 to 1987, claiming five innocent lives. In July 1987, he broke into the mobile home of Air Force serviceman Edward Alger and his girlfriend Ann Peterson in the Florida Panhandle.
After tying up the couple, Walls brutally murdered Alger by cutting his throat and shooting him in the head when the airman fought back. He then shot Peterson as she struggled to escape this home invasion nightmare.
DNA evidence later connected Walls to additional murders, including the May 1987 rape and murder of Audrey Gygi. In plea deals with prosecutors, Walls admitted responsibility for killing Tommie Lou Whiddon in March 1985 and Cynthia Sue Condra in September 1986.
His roommate’s tip to the police about suspicious behavior led to his arrest and the discovery of crime scene evidence in their shared residence.
Florida Leads Nation in Capital Justice
Florida’s aggressive execution schedule reflects a state government that prioritizes victims’ families and public safety over endless appeals and delays. With 43 executions nationwide in 2025, Florida leads this effort to deliver long-overdue justice.
The most recent execution occurred on November 13 when Bryan Frederick Jennings was put to death for raping and killing his neighbor. Two more executions precede Walls’ scheduled date, with Mark Allen Geralds set for December 9.
Walls’ legal journey exemplifies the lengthy appeals process that often frustrates victims’ families. Originally convicted and sentenced to death in 1988, the Florida Supreme Court reversed his conviction and ordered a new trial.
He was again convicted and sentenced to death in 1992, representing decades of legal proceedings for crimes committed in the 1980s. His attorneys are expected to file final appeals to both state and federal supreme courts.
Justice for Military Families and Communities
The brutal murder of Air Force serviceman Edward Alger highlights the particular cruelty of Walls’ crimes against those who serve our nation. Alger’s courage in fighting his attacker, even while restrained, exemplifies the military values that make such senseless violence even more tragic.
DeSantis’ commitment to executing these death sentences ensures that families like Alger’s and Peterson’s finally receive the justice they deserve after nearly four decades of waiting.
