A Florida man, Victor Tony Jones, is facing execution next month for the 1990 murder of a married couple during a robbery. Scheduled for September 30 at Florida State Prison near Starke, Jones’s execution will mark the 13th in Florida this year, further extending the state’s record for most executions in a single year. This year has seen Florida lead the nation in executions, with Texas and South Carolina coming in second, each with four executions. Notably, Florida previously held a record of eight executions in a single year since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
In 2025, across the United States, 30 executions have already been carried out, surpassing last year’s total of 25. This surge reflects an increase in capital punishment cases; 2014 was the last year when the national execution count exceeded this year’s figures, with 35 people executed. Florida’s stringent approach to the death penalty and the speed at which these cases are processed highlight ongoing debates regarding capital punishment in the U.S.
Victor Tony Jones was convicted in 1993 for his crimes, which included two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery. The incidents occurred when Jones, a new employee at a Miami-Dade business owned by Matilda and Jacob Nestor, stabbed both victims during a robbery in December 1990. While Matilda Nestor died from her injuries, Jacob Nestor managed to retrieve a firearm and shoot Jones in the forehead during the struggle, ultimately leading to Jones being found with the Nestors’ possessions.
The Florida Supreme Court is set to hear an appeal from Jones’s legal team, which seeks to block the execution. His lawyers are also expected to escalate their efforts to the U.S. Supreme Court, highlighting the contentious nature of capital punishment appeals and the legal challenges that often accompany death sentences.
Florida’s current execution record has reignited discussions on the efficacy and morality of the death penalty. Advocates for capital punishment argue its deterrent effects and its role in delivering justice for heinous crimes, while opponents raise concerns regarding wrongful convictions and the ethical implications of taking a life as punishment.
As the scheduled execution date approaches, public and legal scrutiny of Jones’s case and the broader implications for the justice system continue to grow. With ongoing legal battles and a rising number of executions, Florida stands at the forefront of the national debate on capital punishment.
