Florida executes man convicted of killing airman and girlfriend in 1987 home invasion

Florida executed a man Thursday convicted of fatally shooting a man and a woman during a home invasion robbery and who later confessed to three other killings, marking the state’s 19th execution of the year.

Frank Athen Walls, 58, received a three-drug injection at about 6 p.m. at the Florida State Prison near Stark and was pronounced dead at 6:11 p.m. He was sentenced to death in 1988 after convictions on two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping and burglary and theft.

The Florida Supreme Court later overturned the conviction and ordered a new trial. Walls was again convicted and sentenced to death in 1992.

The Associated Press reported that at 6 p.m., the curtain to the death chamber went up. Walls was strapped to a gurney and mostly covered by a blanket. His left arm was extended, and an IV was injected. At the foot of the gurney was a Catholic priest who was seated with his right hand extended toward Walls' lower leg.

FLORIDA EXECUTES MAN FOR 1982 MURDER OF INSURANCE OFFICE WORKER ABDUCTED...