Record-Breaking Execution Set For Convicted FL Killer: Reports

RAIFORD, FL — During what could be a record-setting year for Florida executions, a ninth man convicted of using a machete to kill his wife and two children is set to be put to death on Thursday evening.

The Florida Department of Corrections said the execution of Edward Zakrzewski, a 60-year-old Air Force veteran, is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Florida State Prison.

Trial testimony showed he committed the killings after his wife sought a divorce, and he had told others he would kill his family rather than allow a divorce.

Sylvia, his wife, was attacked first with a crowbar and strangled with a rope, testimony shows. Both children were killed with the machete, and Sylvia was also struck with the blade when Zakrzewski thought she had survived the previous assault.

Prison records showed Zakrzewski was sentenced to death on charges of first-degree premeditated murder or attempted murder and two counts of first-degree during the commission of a felony in April 1996 in Okaloosa County. He was additionally sentenced to serve 1 year and six months in prison on a charge of attempted escape, prison records showed.

Zakrzewski's last meal consisted of fried pork chops, fried onions, potatoes, bacon, toast, root beer, ice cream, pie and coffee, the PNJ reported.

Opponents of the death penalty planned to congregate at the state prison to pray for Zakrzewski, the Pensacola News Journal reported in its live updates on Thursday.

Maria DeLiberato with Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty argued that in modern-day, Zakrzewski would not be death-penalty eligible, according to the PNJ.

In 1996, an Okaloosa jury voted 7-5 to sentence Zakrzewski to death in connection with the killing of his wife, Sylvia, and his 7-year-old son, Edward, the PNJ reported. The jury, however, did not vote to sentence him to death in connection with the killing of his 5-year-old daughter, Anna, the PNJ reported.

RELATED:

• FL Executes Convicted Killer In Death Of Wrong Man, Woman
  
• FL Man Who Killed Ex-Wife Faces Death Penalty In Slayings Of Former In-Laws
• Convicted Killer Of Mom, 3 Kids Executed In FL
• FL Killer Executed For Double Murder Toddler Witnessed
• MA Serial Killer Set To Be Executed In FL Rape, Strangulation

"In no other state in the country, or even present day Florida, would he be eligible for execution," DeLiberato told the PNJ.

The Death Penalty Information Center said Florida uses a three-drug cocktail for its lethal injection: a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed death warrants for Kayle Bates, convicted of kidnapping and killing a woman 40 years ago, and Curtis Wisdom, convicted of killing three people in Orlando in 1992, the Associated Press reported. Their planned executions could bring the toll to 11 executions so far this year.

The highest previous annual total of recent Florida executions is eight in 2014, since the death penalty was restored in 1976 by the U.S. Supreme Court. Florida has executed more people than any other state this year, while Texas and South Carolina are tied for second place with four each.

Twenty-six men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S., and 11 other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025.

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.

ALSO SEE: Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap