Florida on Tuesday executed a man convicted of abducting and killing an insurance office worker in 1982.
Kayle Bates, 67, was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. after receiving a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. He had been sentenced to death following convictions for first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted sexual battery in the June 14, 1982, killing of Janet White in Florida’s Panhandle.
White’s husband, Randy White, was present at the execution.
As Bates lay strapped to the gurney, he was asked if he had any last words and replied, “no.”
Afterward, Randy White expressed gratitude at a news briefing. “I am truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from so many who didn’t know either one of us. I thank you from my heart. It means more than you will ever know,” he said, also thanking Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for authorizing the execution.
Prosecutors said Bates abducted Janet White from her workplace, then took her to a wooded area behind the office, where he attempted to rape her. He fatally stabbed her and removed a diamond ring from her finger.
Bates’ defense attorneys appealed his conviction and filed a lawsuit challenging DeSantis’ process for signing death warrants, alleging it was discriminatory. A judge dismissed the suit. The Florida Supreme Court also denied Bates’ claim that organic brain damage had not been properly considered during his second penalty phase.
Tuesday’s execution marked Florida’s 10th this year, setting a state record. Across the United States, 29 men have been executed by court order as of Tuesday.
