News Summary
Florida has executed nine individuals this year, the highest in the nation, with Edward Zakrzewski being the latest. Following a controversial sentencing, his execution reflects ongoing debates about capital punishment in the U.S. Zakrzewski, who murdered his family in a brutal attack, expressed gratitude for the execution process in his final moments. Florida’s rising number of executions and its use of varied methods have intensified the national discourse on this divisive issue, with more executions scheduled soon.
Florida has set a grim milestone in capital punishment as Edward Zakrzewski was executed on July 31, marking the ninth execution this year. The deadly procedure took place at 6:12 p.m. ET and followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to grant a final appeal against his execution. This increase in executions has positioned Florida as the state with the highest number of executions in 2023, surpassing all others nationwide.
During his final moments, Zakrzewski expressed his gratitude for the execution process, describing it as “cold, calculated, clean, humane, and efficient.” He recited a line from Robert Frost’s poem, “He Stopped by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” before the lethal injection took effect. Witnesses observed that his breathing slowed significantly after a few gasps post-administration of the execution drugs.
The execution was attended by 13 witnesses, representing various sectors including media, law enforcement, and Department of Corrections officials. Unfortunately, none chose to speak afterward. Outside the prison, a small group of protestors gathered to express their opposition to the execution.
Edward Zakrzewski’s crimes were particularly brutal. In June 1994, he murdered his wife, Sylvia, and their two young children, 7-year-old Edward and 5-year-old Anna, at their home in Mary Esther, Florida. The murders were committed using a crowbar, rope, and machete, and stemmed from his dissatisfaction with Sylvia’s intention to divorce him. Following the killings, he fled to Hawaii but returned four months later and surrendered to authorities.
In 1996, Zakrzewski pled guilty to the charges and was sentenced to death by a jury that voted 7-5 in favor of execution. The jury, however, was deadlocked 6-6 regarding the decision for his daughter, Anna, leading to a controversial sentencing phase. At the time, the judge imposed the death penalty despite the lack of a unanimous jury recommendation. This aspect has since become a requirement under Florida law.
This execution set a new modern-era record for executions in Florida, previously held at eight in both 1984 and 2014. The state is set to continue this trend, with two more executions scheduled before the end of August: Kayle Barrington Bates on August 19 for a 1982 murder and Curtis Windom on August 28 for a triple murder committed in 1992.
The execution utilized a three-drug protocol, which included Etomidate, Rocuronium bromide, and Potassium acetate. Prior to his execution, Zakrzewski enjoyed a last meal consisting of fried pork chops, fried onions, potatoes, bacon, toast, root beer, ice cream, pie, and coffee. He had one unidentified visitor prior to his execution and did not consult with a spiritual advisor.
As of now, there are still 11 planned executions nationwide before 2026, indicating that capital punishment remains a contentious and prevalent issue across the United States. Florida has not only set records in its pace of executions this year, having conducted multiple executions each month since February, but it has also expanded its methods of execution to include nitrogen gas, hangings, and firing squads, alongside lethal injection and electrocution.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Zakrzewski’s death warrant on July 1, 2025, initiating the countdown to this latest execution. The increasing frequency of executions and the methods employed highlight a significant moment in the ongoing national dialogue surrounding capital punishment and legal reform in America.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- PNJ: Florida Execution Live Updates
- Fox News: Florida Breaks Execution Record
- Stripes: Edward Zakrzewski Execution
- The Guardian: Florida Execution of Edward Zakrzewski
- USA Today: Florida’s Execution of Family Killer
