Florida puts 77-year-old man to death for a deputy's killing in its 18th execution this year

STARKE, Fla. (AP) — Florida carried out its 18th execution of the year on Tuesday under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ’ aggressive use of the death penalty in his final term.William Reaves, 77, was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. following a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. He was convicted of first-degree murder in the Sept. 23, 1986, shooting death of Indian River County sheriff's deputy Richard Raczkoski.The death chamber curtain went up promptly at the 6 p.m. execution time, and Reaves was already strapped to a gurney with an IV in his arm. Asked if he had any last statement, he replied ”No, I do not.”The injection began immediately after that. About 30 seconds later, Reaves took several big breaths and then stopped moving. After a few minutes, the team warden shook Reaves’ shoulders and yelled his name, but there was no response.A medic was called into...