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NewsSNN NewsOctober 30, 2026Manatee County

Gov. Ron DeSantis schedules execution for convicted police killer Ricardo Gonzalez

Photo: SNN News

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant on October 30, 2026, setting the execution date for Ricardo Gonzalez for December 1. Gonzalez was convicted of the 1992 murder of North Miami police officer Stephen Bauer during a bank robbery.

Law EnforcementCriminal JusticePublic Safety
Read the full story at SNN News

Why It Matters

The scheduling advances a capital punishment case stemming from a 1992 crime, setting a definitive timeline for the execution of a death row inmate.

Key Facts

  • Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant on October 30, 2026, scheduling Ricardo Gonzalez's execution for December 1.
  • Gonzalez is set to become the 21st person executed in Florida in 2026.
  • Gonzalez was convicted of murdering North Miami police officer Stephen Bauer during a January 3, 1992, robbery at the Kislack National Bank.
  • Officer Stephen Bauer was a 13-year veteran of the North Miami Police Department working an off-duty job at the time of the robbery.
  • The court determined Gonzalez fired the fatal shot into Bauer's chest.
  • In 1994, Gonzalez was found guilty of first-degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, two counts of grand theft, and two counts of burglary, and was sentenced to death.
  • Another co-defendant, Leonardo Franqui, was also convicted and sentenced to death in 1994, but his execution date has not yet been scheduled.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationNorth Miami Police Department“Department where Officer Bauer worked.”locationNorth Miami“City where the bank robbery took place.”PersonRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who signed the death warrant.”PersonRicardo Gonzalez“Convicted of murdering police officer Stephen Bauer.”OrganizationKislack National Bank“Bank in North Miami where the 1992 robbery and murder occurred.”PersonLeonardo Franqui“Another man convicted in Bauer's murder whose execution has not been scheduled.”locationTampa“City where WFLA is located.”PersonStephen Bauer“North Miami police officer killed during a 1992 bank robbery.”