Disclaimer: There are references to violence and murder in this text.
Tuesday was Florida’s tenth execution of 2025. Kayle Barrington Bates was put to death over forty years ago after being found guilty of the savage murder of Janet Renee White.
The case that has plagued Renee White’s husband for forty-three years has finally come to an end, and it all took place in Florida State Prison’s execution chamber.
On June 14, 1982, it started. After having lunch with his wife, Randy White followed her back to her job. He saw her wave good-bye and unlock the office door.
But in a matter of minutes, the disaster happened, permanently altering his life. Renee was kidnapped by Bates from her Bay County job and taken into the neighboring woods. He attempted to sexually abuse her there. He ended up repeatedly stabbing her and snatching her diamond ring because he was unable to restrain her.
Just twelve minutes after saying goodbye to his wife with a kiss, Randy got the heartbreaking news. She had vanished forever.
Bates was promptly found, put on trial, and given the death penalty. However, because Bates had the opportunity to submit many appeals, justice was not served for more than 40 years. Renee’s family remained in a state of mourning during the duration of these protracted appeals.
The execution of Kyle Barrington Bates has taken place.
For the vicious 1982 murder of Janet Renee White, age 24, Bates was executed.
Bates is Florida’s tenth 2025 execution.
Death Time 6:30 p.m.Kayle Bates, Janet Renee Whitepic, Florida, Death Penalty, YlWx1N5yo7
August 19, 2025, Krystal in Florida (@MsBradsher)
The day that Randy White had been looking forward to finally arrived. Bates, 67, was put to death by lethal injection at 6:17 p.m. on Tuesday. He would not make a statement.
Randy White was one of the witnesses who witnessed Bates’ death. He had vowed to see justice through to its completion to his wife. He was relieved and saddened when the penalty was carried out.
“I’m relieved that justice has been done for her at last,” he remarked. For her, it has always been.
Randy expressed gratitude to law police, prosecutors, and Governor Ron DeSantis for fulfilling their commitment and making sure Renee’s case will not be forgotten.
He explained that the purpose of the execution was to honor the memories of his late wife rather than seek revenge.
Kayle Bates’ cert petition and requests to halt his scheduled execution in Florida tonight have been rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.This link: https://t.co/fzpYhjz4oBThis link: https://t.co/tUGdjZ8RGKoUPEd0Uvbf https://t.co/vERd6VwDun@FLDeathPenalty@FADPorg#deathpenaltypic
August 19, 2025, Robert Dunham (@RDunhamDP)
Florida has now carried out Bate’s death sentence, surpassing the state’s previous record of eight executions, which was set in 2014. Governor Ron DeSantisto took a particularly strong stand on the death penalty in 2025. He has signed several death warrants and said that the action is a deterrent to serious crimes in the state.
Two further death sentences are already planned. David Pittman will be put to death on September 17 and Curtis Windom on August 28.
In 2025, the United States has executed 29 people nationwide. It’s the highest amount in almost ten years. This indicates a dramatic rise in the application of the death penalty following years of significant reduction.
Throughout the entire process, Bates’ lawyers and legal team made sure to look everywhere. They used every strategy they could to postpone or reverse his sentencing.
Additionally, the team contended that Bates had brain injury. They even accused the Florida execution system of being racially prejudiced in the selection of death warrants.
According to The Daily Beast, the following five people were put to death in a betrayal of veterans:
At least ten women were abducted, raped, and murdered by Bobby Joe Long.
One of the 14-year-old girls was raped and killed by Duane Owen.
A woman and her 8-year-old were murdered by Edward James.The link https://t.co/Hifa6BGwUw
AGR (@AGHamilton29) 13 August 2025
On these grounds, a federal case was dismissed. Claims of unconstitutional discrimination have been dismissed by the courts. All challenges were eventually rejected by the US and Florida Supreme Courts, paving the door for Tuesday’s execution.
Randy White’s most agonizing chapter, which started with unfathomable grief, came to an end with his execution. However, the case has also rekindled national discussion over the efficacy, justice, and morality of the death penalty.
Nevertheless, the incident included a very personal matter for Janet Renee White’s family. For the woman whose life was taken way too soon, they finally witnessed justice being served.
