News Summary
Florida has executed Victor Tony Jones, marking a significant point in its penal history as he becomes the 13th person executed this year. This surpasses the previous record of eight executions in a single year, highlighting a concerning trend in capital punishment across the nation. Jones, convicted of two counts of first-degree murder for a brutal double homicide, was executed following the rejection of his final appeal. Florida continues to lead the nation in executions, indicating an alarming rise in this practice amid a broader national context.
Florida witnessed a significant event in its penal history on September 30, 2025, when Victor Tony Jones, age 64, was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke. This execution marked a historic milestone for the state as it occurred in a record-setting year for capital punishment, making Jones the 13th individual to be executed in Florida this year, surpassing the previous record of eight executions set in 2014.
Victor Tony Jones was pronounced dead at 6:13 p.m. following a three-drug injection procedure. He declined to offer a final statement before his execution, simply responding “No, sir” when asked if he had any last words. Reports indicate that the execution was conducted without any complications.
Jones was sentenced to death in 1993, stemming from a brutal double murder case involving Matilda and Jacob Nestor in 1990. While working at their Miami-Dade business, Jones stabbed Matilda in the neck and Jacob in the chest. During the struggle, Jacob Nestor managed to shoot Jones in the forehead with a .22-caliber pistol, even though he was mortally wounded. Police later discovered Jones at the crime scene, in possession of the Nestors’ money and personal belongings, which led to his arrest and conviction on two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery.
The execution falls within a broader context of an alarming rise in capital punishment across the United States this year. Nationwide, a total of 30 people have been executed in 2025, marking the highest annual total since 2014. Florida is currently leading the nation with its number of executions, setting itself apart from other states like Texas and South Carolina, both of which have recorded four executions this year. Additionally, Florida has further executions planned, with two more scheduled before the year concludes. Samuel Lee Smithers, 72, is slated for execution on October 14, 2025, followed by Norman Mearle Grim Jr., 65, set for October 28, 2025.
Jones’ execution was the result of the Florida Supreme Court’s denial of his final appeal, in which he claimed he suffered from intellectual disability and had experienced childhood abuse. Hours prior to the execution, the U.S. Supreme Court also rejected his appeal without providing any commentary or explanation.
The lethal injection method used for Jones involved a combination of three drugs: a sedative to induce unconsciousness, a paralytic agent to prevent movement, and a drug designed to stop the heart. This method has become the standard for executions within many states, including Florida.
As Florida proceeds with its high execution rate, at least eight other individuals across various states are scheduled for execution in early October, indicating a significant and chilling continuation of capital punishment in America.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Death penalty in Florida
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
