Florida Moves Forward with Two Executions This August

The Florida Supreme Court has remained active this year in advancing death penalty cases, and this month, it has scheduled the executions of two death row inmates—Kayle B. Bates and Curtis Windom—following the signing of death warrants by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Kayle B. Bates

Bates, whose case is listed under SC2025-1127 and SC2025-1128, is scheduled to be executed on August 19, 2025, at 6:00p.m. The warrant was signed in July, prompting the court to issue an expedited schedule for handling remaining appeals and filings.

Bates’ legal team filed a habeas petition and a motion to stay execution, both of which are currently pending review. Court records show a flurry of activity since July 30, including the submission of the record on appeal, initial and reply briefs, and responses from the State of Florida. The Florida Supreme Court has yet to schedule oral arguments, if any.

Kayle Barrington Bates was sentenced to death for the brutal 1982 murder of 24-year-old Janet Renee White in Bay County, Florida. Authorities say Bates kidnapped White, attempted to sexually assault her, and then fatally stabbed her with a knife. The attack, which also involved robbery, left the young woman dead on June 14, 1982. Bates was eventually convicted and sentenced to death on July 25, 1995.

Curtis Windom

In a separate case, Curtis Windom is set to be executed on August 28, 2025, according to the court’s July 29 order. Windom’s case, originally filed in 1992 (SC1960-80830), has a long procedural history and was reopened following the Governor’s warrant.

Like Bates’ case, Windom’s proceedings are also being expedited. The court directed that all necessary filings—including appeals and briefs—be completed by mid-August. Windom’s legal representation includes Ali Andrew Shakoor, while Rick A. Buchwalter is representing the State.

Curtis Windom was sentenced to death for a 1992 shooting spree in Orange County, Florida, that left three people dead. The rampage, believed to be fueled by revenge, began when Windom fatally shot an acquaintance, Johnnie Lee, who allegedly owed him nearly $2,000. He then turned the gun on his own girlfriend, Valerie Davis, and her mother, Mary Lubin, killing them both. Armed with a .38 caliber revolver, Windom carried out all three murders on February 7, 1992, and was arrested later that same day. He was convicted and sentenced to death on November 10, 1992.

The execution orders come amid ongoing legal filings and potential appeals, which could impact the scheduled dates depending on how the court rules in the coming weeks.