Joe Yates
A man convicted of brutally killing a married couple over three decades ago was executed this week - and his last words were as blunt as they come.
Victor Tony Jones was put to death by lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke on Tuesday evening (September 30).
The 64-year-old was convicted of the 1990 murders of Jacob and Matilda Nestor, who owned a medical supply shop in Miami’s Wynwood area - long before it became the trendy arts district it is today.
Jones, who had recently started working for the couple, fatally stabbed Matilda in the neck and Jacob in the chest during a robbery.
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Despite being gravely wounded, Jacob managed to stagger to an office, grab a pistol, and fire five shots at Jones - one of which hit him in the forehead. Police found Jones bleeding and carrying the couple’s cash and belongings.
He survived, was taken to hospital, and later convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and armed robbery in 1993, and was sentenced to death.
His execution marked the 13th in the state so far this year - the highest number in the US, even outpacing Texas.
The process began at exactly 6.00pm (local time). Jones was asked if he had any final statement and said, 'no, sir' - which were his last words.
Several minutes in, the warden called his name before gently shaking him, but there was no response.
A medic entered shortly after and pronounced him dead at 6.13pm, with officials later confirming the procedure was carried out without any issues.
Irene Fisher, the couple’s daughter, watched her parents' killer die alongside her daughters and other relatives. She admitted to feeling conflicted.
"After seeing what I saw tonight, I wish my parents had that opportunity to die so gracefully, close your eyes and just go," she said.
"They were violently killed. My father fought for 20 minutes with a stab wound in his heart, and my mother died instantly in the bathroom on a cold floor."
The former Nestor shop now serves as a community centre, with Irene adding: "My parents would have loved that because they were always helping people in the community."
Jones had attempted a last-minute appeal, citing alleged abuse during his youth and claims of intellectual disability, but both were thrown out.
The US Supreme Court denied his final appeal just hours before the execution, with no comment.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].