Kayle Bates, 67, was put to death on Tuesday in Florida for the 1982 fatal stabbing and kidnapping of Janet White, an insurance office worker. The execution was carried out at Florida State Prison near Starke, where Bates was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. following a three-drug injection. His death sentence was handed down after his conviction on first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted sexual battery charges in the June 14, 1982, killing of Janet White in Florida’s Panhandle.
Janet White’s husband, Randy White, witnessed the execution, an event that marked the state’s 10th execution of the year, breaking a 50-year record. At a news briefing following the execution, Randy White thanked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for signing off on the execution. In his remarks, he expressed deep gratitude for the support received, saying, ‘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.’
During the murder, Bates abducted Janet White from the insurance office where she worked and took her into a wooded area behind the building, where prosecutors alleged he attempted to rape her. He fatally stabbed her and tore a diamond ring from one of her fingers, authorities reported. The execution was accompanied by the symbolic gesture of Bates replying ‘no’ when asked if he had any last words during his final moments.
Legal appeals by Bates’ lawyers sought to overturn his conviction, including a lawsuit claiming Governor DeSantis’ process for signing death warrants was discriminatory. However, the lawsuit was recently dismissed by a judge. Additionally, Bates’ claim regarding organic brain damage not being adequately considered during his second penalty phase was also denied by the Florida Supreme Court.
This execution placed Florida at the forefront of capital punishment in the United States, with 29 men having been put to death as of Tuesday. At least nine other people were scheduled for execution in seven states for the remainder of 2025. The Associated Press contributed to this report.