Governor Ron DeSantis is delivering justice at a historic pace, setting a new record for executions in Florida while ensuring the most dangerous criminals face the ultimate penalty for their heinous crimes.
Story Highlights
- DeSantis signs death warrant for serial killer Frank Athen Walls, setting record-breaking execution pace.
- Walls murdered five people, including an Air Force serviceman and his girlfriend, in a brutal home invasion.
- Florida leads the nation with 19 executions scheduled in 2025, more than any other state since 1976.
- Conservative leadership demonstrates commitment to law and order through swift justice.
DeSantis Sets Historic Record for Swift Justice
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant Tuesday for Frank Athen Walls, 58, scheduling his execution for December 18, 2025, at Florida State Prison. This marks the 19th execution warrant signed by DeSantis in 2025, surpassing the previous record of eight executions set in 2014.
DeSantis now oversees more executions in a single year than any Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, demonstrating unwavering commitment to law and order.
Florida sets record with 15th execution as man dies for 1998 rape, murder of neighbor https://t.co/PiUQBJk3oA pic.twitter.com/GLwdpMnSgb
— New York Post (@nypost) October 29, 2025
Serial Killer’s Brutal Crime Spree Against Military Family
Walls broke into the Florida Panhandle mobile home of Eglin Air Force Base airman Edward Alger and his girlfriend Ann Peterson in July 1987. After tying up the couple, Walls cut Alger’s throat and shot him in the head when the serviceman courageously fought back.
Walls then shot Peterson as she struggled to escape. The day after discovering the bodies, police arrested Walls when his roommate reported suspicious behavior and investigators found crime scene items in their shared residence.
DNA Evidence Links Killer to Additional Murders
Following his initial conviction, DNA evidence connected Walls to the May 1987 rape and murder of Audrey Gygi. To avoid another potential death sentence, Walls pleaded no contest to this charge.
He also admitted responsibility for killing Tommie Lou Whiddon in March 1985 and Cynthia Sue Condra in September 1986 as part of a prosecutorial agreement, bringing his total victim count to five innocent lives.
Florida Leads Nation in Delivering Justice
Florida leads the United States in executions for 2025, with 43 people executed nationwide. The state’s most recent execution occurred on November 13 with the lethal injection of Bryan Frederick Jennings, convicted of raping and murdering his neighbor.
DeSantis signed Walls’ death warrant just two days before another scheduled execution of Richard Barry Randolph, while Mark Allen Geralds faces execution on December 9. This aggressive approach reflects conservative principles of swift justice for the most heinous crimes.
Legal Process Ensures Due Process
Walls was originally convicted in 1988 on two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, burglary and theft, receiving a death sentence. The Florida Supreme Court later reversed the conviction and ordered a new trial, where Walls was again convicted and sentenced to death in 1992.
Attorneys for Walls are expected to file appeals to both the Florida Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court, ensuring all legal avenues are properly exhausted before justice is delivered.
