Stop the Execution of William Reaves in Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for Vietnam veteran William Reaves, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Deputy Sheriff Richard Raczkoski in Indian River County. Mr. Reaves has acknowledged responsibility for the shooting and repeatedly expressed remorse, including an apology to Deputy Raczkoski’s family at his sentencing. The execution is scheduled for October 20th at 6:00 PM.

Mr. Reaves is a Vietnam combat veteran who returned home with PTSD and developed a severe substance use disorder. His jury never heard the full details of his combat experience or the trauma he carried home. His attorney had never tried a capital case and was required to proceed without co-counsel. The jury recommended death by a vote of 10–2.

Please sign this petition urging Governor DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency to stop this execution and commute William Reaves sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

This petition will be updated as more information becomes available. Last updated September 18, 2026.

To: Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency
From: [Your Name]

We urge you to stop the execution of William Reaves, scheduled for October 20, 2026, and commute his death sentence to life without parole.

William is a Vietnam War veteran who was sentenced to death for the murder of Deputy Richard Raczkoski. His death was a terrible loss, and our plea for mercy acknowledges the enduring suffering of his family and loved ones.

William’s jury never heard critical evidence about his combat-related PTSD or how his wartime trauma affected him at the time of the crime. The judge barred his attorneys from presenting a diminished capacity defense, leaving the people deciding his fate without essential context about his military service and mental health.

Our country has a long tradition of considering military service and its lasting consequences when deciding punishment. William deserves that consideration now.

Executing William will not undo the loss of Deputy Raczkoski. He can be held accountable while spending the remainder of his life in prison. Please honor his service, consider the evidence his jury never heard, and grant him mercy by commuting his sentence to life without the possibility of parole.