David Pittman

Case information

David Pittman (date of birth: 12/10/61) was sentenced to death in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, Polk County, under Case# CF90-2242A1-XX (DC# 351997). The sentencing judge was The Honorable Tim J.

Victims

Clarence Knowles, Barbara Knowles, and Bonnie Knowles were murdered. Clarence and Barbara Knowles’ daughter, Marie, was married to Pittman. Marie initiated a divorce that Pittman did not want.

Timeline

• 05/15/90 — Witnesses reported that the residence of Clarence and Barbara Knowles was on fire.
• 07/12/90 — Trial summary period stated in the case record.
• 04/19/91 — The jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts of the indictment with the exception of Count V.
• 04/25/91 — The jury recommended death by a vote of 9-3.
• 04/25/91 — Sentencing occurred. Pittman was sentenced to death on three counts; arson counts and grand theft were also sentenced to prison terms.
• 09/16/91 — Pittman filed his direct appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.
• 09/29/94 — The Florida Supreme Court affirmed Pittman’s convictions and sentences.
• 03/20/95 — Pittman filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari.
• 05/15/95 — The Petition for Writ of Certiorari was denied.
• 03/24/97 — Pittman filed a 3.850 Motion to the Circuit Court.
• 04/24/97 — The 3.850 Motion was dismissed.
• 11/02/01 — Pittman filed an amended 3.850 Motion.
• 09/15/05 — Pittman filed a second amended 3.850 Motion.
• 05/08/06 — An evidentiary hearing was held.
• (as stated in the case record)
• (Registry date stated) — Registry date of offense was given as 05/15/90.

Background

Marie initiated a divorce from Pittman, and Pittman did not want the divorce to proceed. During the course of the divorce, Pittman had threatened to harm both Marie and her family.

The offence

In the early morning hours of 05/15/90, witnesses phoned the fire department to report that the residence of Clarence and Barbara Knowles was on fire. After the investigation, it was discovered that the perpetrator had cut the phone line and, after setting the fire, stole the car of Bonnie Knowles, the couple’s other daughter.

The bodies of Clarence, Barbara, and Bonnie were found in the home. The cause of death for all three was attributed to multiple stab wounds, which resulted in massive bleeding. Bonnie Knowles’ throat had been slit.

Investigation

One witness testified that on the same morning of 05/15/90, he saw a car similar to Bonnie Knowles’ in a ditch on the side of the road close to the Knowles’ home. This witness saw a truck, determined to belong to Pittman, pull beside the car. The witness later noticed the car on fire.

Another witness saw a man running from the burning car and later identified the man as Pittman in a photo line-up.

A jailhouse informant testified that Pittman confessed to the aforementioned crimes.

Trial

Charges (as indicted)

• Count I: First-Degree Murder (Clarence Knowles)
• Count II: First-Degree Murder (Barbara Knowles)
• Count III: First-Degree Murder (Bonnie Knowles)
• Count IV: Arson
• Count V: Burglary
• Count VI: Grand Theft
• Count VII: Arson

Verdicts

On 04/19/91, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts of the indictment with the exception of Count V.

Sentencing recommendations

On 04/25/91, the jury recommended death by a vote of 9-3.

Sentencing

On 04/25/91, Pittman was sentenced as follows:

• Count I: First-Degree Murder — Death
• Count II: First-Degree Murder — Death
• Count III: First-Degree Murder — Death
• Count IV: Arson — 15 years
• Count VI: Grand Theft — 5 years
• Count VII: Arson — 15 years

Appeals

Direct appeal to the Florida Supreme Court

On 09/16/91, Pittman filed his direct appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. In his appeal, he contended that the court incorrectly admitted evidence of his past crimes. Pittman also claimed that the trial court admitted identification testimony that was manipulated by suggestive procedures.

Some of Pittman’s other claims included hearsay evidence of someone else’s involvement in the murder was not admitted and the judge rendered an insufficient sentencing order, which imposed three death sentences.

The Court found no merit in any of Pittman’s claims and affirmed his convictions and sentences on 09/29/94.

Petition for Writ of Certiorari

On 03/20/95, Pittman filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari, which was subsequently denied on 05/15/95.

3.850 motions and dismissal

On 03/24/97, Pittman filed a 3.850 Motion to the Circuit Court. The motion was dismissed on 04/24/97.

Pittman later filed an amended 3.850 Motion on 11/02/01. On 09/15/05, Pittman filed a second amended 3.850 Motion. On 05/08/06, an evidentiary hearing was held, and the second motion was currently pending.

Other details

Counsel

• Strickland Trial Attorney: Robert A. Norgard — Assistant Public Defender Attorney
• Direct Appeal: A. Anne Owens — Assistant Public Defender Attorney
• Collateral Appeals: Martin J. McClain — Registry

Procedural identifiers and court

• Tenth Judicial Circuit, Polk County
• Case# CF90-2242A1-XX
• DC# 351997