23 Apr 2026 11:40 am
A Florida man is scheduled for execution next month for his conviction in the killing of his cousin's girlfriend and her 4-year-old daughter under a death warrant signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday. Richard Knight, 47, is set to die by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke on May 21, as part of a series of death warrants signed by the governor.
Knight was convicted in the 2000 murders of Odessia Stephens and her young daughter, Hanessia Mullings, according to WFLA. Prosecutors said Knight and Stephens were involved in an argument the night of the crime.Authorities described the killings in court records as "heinous, atrocious and cruel," the outlet reported.
Stephens also suffered injuries indicating that she had been strangled and attempted to fight back, as investigators said images from the scene showed a "bloody struggle."Knight then strangled and stabbed the child multiple times, causing stab wounds to her upper chest, neck and hand.
Enjoy the ride...Knight.
Florida man's execution date set for killing 2, including small child
Knight was convicted in the 2000 murders of Odessia Stephens and her young daughter, Hanessia Mullings, according to WFLA. Prosecutors said Knight and Stephens were involved in an argument the night of the crime.Authorities described the killings in court records as "heinous, atrocious and cruel," the outlet reported.
Stephens also suffered injuries indicating that she had been strangled and attempted to fight back, as investigators said images from the scene showed a "bloody struggle."Knight then strangled and stabbed the child multiple times, causing stab wounds to her upper chest, neck and hand.
Enjoy the ride...Knight.
Florida man's execution date set for killing 2, including small child
