Governor DeSantis has signed the tenth death warrant this year for Kayle B. Bates. He is set to be executed on August 19 at 6 pm for the 1982 murder of Janet White. Kayle has long challenged his conviction and death sentence, including the denial of DNA testing, arguments about the fairness of his jury, his counsels’ effectiveness, and Florida’s arbitrary death penalty sentencing scheme.
As to the DNA testing, Justice Anstead dissented, stating clearly: “I cannot agree with the majority that Bates is not entitled to have DNA testing of certain evidence in order to bring more certainty to the sentencing process.” These claims remain unresolved amid procedural barriers. Florida must not carry out executions while serious legal questions remain.