Bio

William Reaves was born on December 30, 1948. He grew up in Florida. However, as he grew older, he faced various challenges and made choices that led him into trouble with the law.

In 1973, Reaves was arrested and convicted for robbery. He was given an eight-year sentence but only served four years before being released. His life did not improve after his release. In 1979, he was arrested again, this time for grand theft. He received a five-year sentence and served four years once again.

By 1984, Reaves was in legal trouble yet again. He was sentenced to three years and six months for selling heroin but only served less than two years. These experiences with the law set a pattern for Reaves. He struggled with criminal behavior throughout his life.

Before the incident that led to his death sentence, Reaves had other encounters with law enforcement. He was known to have struggled with substance abuse issues.

Murder Story

On September 23, 1986, Deputy Sheriff Richard Raczkowski responded to a 911 call from a payphone at a Zippy Mart convenience store in Indian River County, Florida. The call was made by William Reaves, who said he needed a taxi but did not have money for one. As the deputy waited to order a cab, he checked for outstanding warrants on Reaves. A struggle began when a gun fell from Reaves’ pants. While trying to pick it up, Raczkowski stepped on Reaves' hand. The situation escalated, and Reaves managed to grab Raczkowski by the throat.

During the struggle, Raczkowski stepped back and asked Reaves not to kill him, then turned to run away. Reaves shot him four times in the back. A witness later reported seeing a man in red shorts and a white shirt fleeing the scene. The deputy died shortly after from his injuries. Later that evening, Reaves went to his friend Eugene Hinton's home and confessed to shooting a deputy. He claimed that the deputy had begged for his life.

Three days later, on September 26, Reaves was arrested at a bus station while trying to leave town. He struggled with officers, and during the altercation, a weapon discharged. When taken into custody, police found cocaine in his possession. Following his arrest, Reaves faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and drug trafficking.

Reaves was indicted and entered a not guilty plea. On September 2, 1987, he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. He appealed the conviction multiple times, claiming various legal errors, including issues with jury selection and the involvement of a prosecutor who had previously defended him. The Florida Supreme Court reversed his conviction in 1991, but a second trial in 1992 resulted in another guilty verdict, confirming the death penalty once more.

Over the years, Reaves filed several motions and appeals regarding his conviction. However, these appeals were denied. His case experienced legal scrutiny and ultimately reaffirmed his death sentence by the Florida Supreme Court in subsequent reviews.