Overview

• Bates, 67, was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. following a three‑drug lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke.
• He was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted sexual battery in the June 14, 1982 killing of Janet Renee White.
• Investigators reported finding blood on Bates, the victim’s ring in his pocket, a watch pin matched to his watch and fibers linking his pants to her clothing.
• The U.S. Supreme Court denied last-minute appeals after the Florida Supreme Court rejected penalty-phase claims and a federal judge dismissed a racial-bias warrant lawsuit.
• Florida’s execution marked its record 10th this year, leading the nation, with executions for Curtis Windom on Aug. 28 and David Pittman on Sept. 17 formally scheduled.