Record-Breaking Execution: Okaloosa County, FL Carries Out Machete Murderer’s Death — LIVE UPDATES

Okaloosa County, FL – Florida has set a grim milestone: on July 31, 2025, Edward J. Zakrzewski II, 60, was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke, making him the ninth person put to death in the state this year—surpassing the modern-era record set in 2014. Zakrzewski was convicted of brutally murdering his wife, Sylvia, and their two children—7‑year‑old Edward and 5‑year‑old Anna—with a machete in their Okaloosa County home on June 9, 1994, after Sylvia sought a divorce. Despite narrowly divided jury recommendations (two votes of 7–5 for death and one 6–6 deadlock overturned by judge), tenacious legal appeals failed to halt the execution. The U.S. Supreme Court denied Zakrzewski’s final petition, allowing the death warrant—signed by Governor Ron DeSantis—to proceed. Advocates and opponents alike are now intensifying scrutiny of Florida’s accelerated capital punishment pace.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Edward Zakrzewski executed for murdering wife and two children.

• IMPACT: Family completely slain; state tops nine executions this year alone.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “He would kill his family rather than allow divorce.” — trial testimony.

• ACTION: Watch for upcoming executions Aug 19 & 28; public debate continues.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Okaloosa County, FL – site of June 9, 1994 familicide in their Mary Esther home.

2. Community Connection:

   “A veteran and neighbor… nobody expected such violence.” — Okaloosa County resident.

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  Florida is now the nation’s execution leader in 2025, amid renewed scrutiny over narrow jury recommendations, non-unanimous death sentencing, and political acceleration under GOP leadership.

Zakrzewski, a former U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant, committed the killings after expressing to neighbors he would rather kill his family than endure a divorce. He attacked his wife with a crowbar and rope before ending the children’s lives with a machete. He fled to Hawaii under an alias but turned himself in after being profiled on Unsolved Mysteries.

Despite death sentence jury votes of 7–5 for his wife and son, and a 6–6 split on his daughter’s case, the judge imposed all three death sentences—legal under Florida laws of that era. However, current state law now requires at least eight jurors to agree on death, highlighting the stark difference in legal norms.

Florida’s 2025 tally of nine executions is now the highest since capital punishment resumed in 1976. Advocates have raised constitutional concerns about the deferential use of non-unanimous jury decisions and judicial overrides. Critics argue this surge in executions reflects politically driven policies under Governor DeSantis, who has signed multiple death warrants in quick succession.

Zakrzewski remained composed during his final hours, was compliant with prison staff, and reportedly quoted poetry. His last meal included pork chops, root beer, and ice cream—moments before the three-drug protocol was administered.

Update Log

•  July 22: Florida Supreme Court denies Zakrzewski’s appeals.

• July 31 – 6:12 PM: Execution carried out at Florida State Prison.

• Upcoming: Execution dates set Aug 19 & Aug 28 under new warrants.

This execution marks a controversial inflection point: while some view it as justice served, others warn Florida’s capital punishment system is moving too rapidly and without sufficient procedural consensus. With more executions scheduled, the national and state-level debate over death penalty policy and legal standards is growing louder.