Florida extends record executions with date set for man who fatally stabbed couple during robbery

A Florida man who fatally stabbed a married couple during a robbery is scheduled to be executed next month, which could extend the state’s record number of inmates put to death in a single year.

Victor Tony Jones, 64, is scheduled to be killed Sept. 30 at Florida State Prison near Starke under a death warrant signed Friday by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, which would mark the state’s 13th execution scheduled for this year. 

The state’s 11th execution was carried out Thursday when Curtis Windom, 59, died by lethal injection, and David Pittman, 63, is scheduled for execution Sept. 17.

The Sunshine State has executed more people this year than any other state, with Texas and South Carolina tied for the second-most with four each. Before this year, Florida’s previous record for executions in a year since the death penalty was restored in 1976 was eight in 2014.

Across the U.S., 30 people have been executed so far in 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

The Florida Supreme Court will hear an appeal as Jones’ lawyers seek to block his execution. His legal team is also expected to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.