DeSantis signs death warrant for convicted murderer Donald Dillbeck

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for convicted murderer Donald David Dillbeck, sentenced to death over a 1990 killing of Faye Vann.

The governor’s office announced DeSantis’ letter to Florida State Prison Warden Donald Davis.

“Enclosed is the death warrant that I signed to carry out the sentence for Donald David Dillbeck as well as certified copies of his judgment and sentence,” DeSantis wrote.

The execution is set for Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6:00 p.m.

“Donald Dillbeck was a fugitive when the murder occurred, having escaped from prison two days prior.  Dillbeck was participating in an off-site vocational program when he escaped,” the governor’s office said. “Dillbeck walked to Tallahassee, purchasing a knife on the way.  Upon arriving in Tallahassee, he walked to the mall and attempted to hijack Faye Vann’s car. Dillbeck brutally stabbed Faye numerous times, killing her.”

“He got what he deserved. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about it,” a sister of Vann said.

A nephew of Vann said, “My family was robbed of a wonderful lady Faye Lamb Vann she was my mom’s sister . . . we want you to sign a death warrant for Dillbeck . . . it is time for closure.”

The convicted criminal then attempted to flee in Faye’s car, but crashed and was caught by authorities. He was convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and armed burglary.

Dillbeck was serving a life sentence for killing Lee County Deputy Sheriff Dwight Lynn Hall in 1979. Upon being questioned by the deputy in Fort Myers, he attempted to flee on foot, prompting a chase.

When the deputy caught up to Dillbeck, he grabbed Hall’s gun to fatally shoot the deputy.