Florida carried out the execution of Frank Athen Walls on November 18, 2025, at Florida State Prison near Starke, marking the state’s 19th execution that year and the 47th nationwide, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Walls, 58, was convicted of the 1987 murders of Edward Alger, an Eglin Air Force Base airman, and his girlfriend Ann Peterson during a brutal home invasion in the Florida Panhandle. His initial 1988 death sentence was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court, leading to a retrial and reconviction in 1992.
Key Details of the Crimes and Execution
The 1987 Double Murder: Walls broke into the couple’s mobile home, tied them up, slit Alger’s throat after he broke free, shot him in the head, and then fatally shot Peterson as she fought back.
Additional Confessions: DNA evidence later linked Walls to the 1987 rape and murder of Audrey Gygi. As part of a plea deal, he admitted to killing Tommie Lou Whiddon (1985) and Cynthia Sue Condra (1986), avoiding further trials.
Execution Process: Administered via Florida’s three-drug lethal injection (sedative, paralytic, heart-stopping agent), it began at 6 p.m. ET and Walls was pronounced dead at 6:11 p.m. A Catholic priest was present, placing his hand near Walls’ foot.
Before dying, Walls apologized briefly: “Good evening, everyone. I appreciate the opportunity to say what’s on my heart. If any of the members of the family are here, I am sorry for all of the things I did, the pain I caused, and all of that you have suffered all these years.”
Broader Context
Florida led U.S. executions in 2025, surpassing its previous high of eight in 2014 (post-1976 Supreme Court reinstatement of capital punishment). This reflects Gov. Ron DeSantis’ support for the death penalty, with the state resuming executions after a hiatus. For comparison:
| Year | Florida Executions | U.S. Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 8 | ~35 |
| 2025 | 19 (as of Nov) | 47+ |
This case underscores ongoing debates over DNA’s role in cold cases and the finality of death row appeals. If you’re interested in Florida’s death penalty laws, similar cases, or updates on national trends, what aspect would you like more details on?
