Florida carried out its 13th execution of the year on Tuesday, surpassing its previous annual record and cementing the state’s position as the national leader in enforcing capital punishment. The latest case involved the execution of convicted killer Victor Tony Jones, 64, who brutally murdered a Miami-Dade couple in 1990.
Jones was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke at 6:13 p.m., according to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office. Asked if he had a final statement, Jones simply replied, “No, sir.” His final meal included fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet tea.
Jones had been sentenced to death in 1993 for killing Matilda and Jacob Nestor, who had employed him shortly before the attack. After stabbing Matilda in the neck and Jacob in the chest, Jones attempted to rob them. In a final act of courage, Jacob staggered into another office, grabbed a .22-caliber pistol, and shot Jones in the forehead before succumbing to his wounds. Authorities later found Jones carrying the Nestors’ money and belongings.
Florida has executed more criminals this year than any other state, with Texas and South Carolina tied for a distant second with just four each. Nationwide, 30 executions have been carried out in 2025, the most in over a decade.
Florida’s leadership underscores the principle that justice must be firm and swift. While critics decry capital punishment, families of victims know that true justice means holding murderers accountable. As DeSantis’ spokesperson noted, Jones’ execution had “no complications”—a decisive end for a man who caused unimaginable suffering.
