Florida executes man convicted in 1987 airman and girlfriend killings
Frank Athen Walls, 58, received a three-drug lethal injection at the Florida State Prison after decades of appeals and his confession to multiple killings.
Florida executed Frank Athen Walls, 58, on Thursday at the Florida State Prison near Starke, marking the state’s 19th execution this year. The three-drug lethal injection was administered at about 6 p.m. and Walls 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, 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 execution proceeded after federal and state courts had cleared the way, following related rulings that denied stays of execution. Walls issued a brief apology, telling family members that he was sorry for the pain he caused, as a Catholic priest stood at the foot of the gurney in prayer.
Court records show Walls broke into a mobile home in the Florida Panhandle belonging to Eglin Air Force Base airman Edward Alger and his girlfriend, Ann Peterson, in July 1987. Alger managed to break loose and confront the attacker; Walls cut Alger’s throat and shot him in the head as the airman fought back, then moved to Peterson and shot her as she struggled. The day after the bodies were found, Walls was arrested after his roommate reported his odd behavior. Investigators searched the home and reported finding items from the crime scene. Walls later confessed to the killings. DNA evidence connected Walls to the May 1987 rape and murder of Audrey Gygi. He pleaded no contest, sparing him another trial and a potential death sentence. Walls also admitted responsibility for the killings of Tommie Lou Whiddon in March 1985 and Cynthia Sue Condra in September 1986 as part of a deal with prosecutors.
His attorneys argued he should be disqualified from execution because of his intellectual disability and other medical issues. However, last week, the Florida Supreme Court ruled against Walls. The U.S. Supreme Court also denied his request for a stay of execution on Thursday afternoon. Walls woke up at about 5:10 a.m. Thursday, and, according to corrections department spokesperson Jordan Kirland, remained compliant. Officials did not say whether any family members of the victims would attend. In Florida, lethal injections use a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections. Walls’ execution occurred with a Catholic priest present, and with a gurney, IV and other components visible as part of the procedure.
The state’s death-penalty timeline continues to draw attention amid a national debate over capital punishment. As of this year, Florida has executed more individuals than any other state, followed by Alabama, South Carolina and Texas, each with five executions. Across the United States, 46 men have been executed by court order so far in the year. The execution in Florida comes amid a wave of capital cases that have moved through courts since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
