A Florida man convicted of a 1989 double murder will be executed next month after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant on Monday. Louis Gaskin, known as the “ninja killer,” will be the second convicted murderer to be executed in Florida this year after a pause on capital punishment from 2019 was ended.
Gaskin, now 56, was convicted of first-degree murder for killing Robert and Georgette Sturmfels in their Flagler County home. On the night of December 20, 1989, Gaskin got in his car and drove to Palm Coast. After spotting a light in the Sturmfels’ home, he parked his car, loaded a rifle, and walked over to the house. Gaskin spotted the couple sitting in their den.
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Gaskin then opened fire on the couple through one of the windows. According to a statement from the Governor’s office obtained by Florida Jolt,
As Georgette Sturmfels stood up, Gaskin also shot her through the window and then shot Robert a third time. Georgette crawled into the hallway, but Gaskin pursued her from the outside of the home and shot her again. Gaskin then pulled out a screen, broke the bedroom window, and entered the home. He shot each victim once more in the head. A total of four bullets struck Robert, and Georgette was struck five times.
After executing the couple, Gaskin began to loot their home, stealing items that included lamps, a grandfather clock, video cassette recorders, jewelry, and cash.
Gaskin then continued on to his next set of victims just one mile away. At around 11:30 pm that evening, he discovered another couple, Mary and Joseph Rector, similarly sitting in their den. Gaskin cut the phone lines to the house and began to throw logs and rocks at the house in an attempt to lure the couple outside.
He eventually opened fire through a window, injuring Joseph Rector. The couple was able to escape to their car and drive away while Gaskin continued to shoot at them. He then burglarized their home as well.
After his arrest, the stolen property was recovered from Gaskin’s home, which he said he intended to be Christmas gifts to his girlfriend. He was dubbed the “ninja killer” for his all-black attire during his crimes. During questioning, Gaskin also confessed to the murder of Charles Miller.
A psychologist testified at the trial that Gaskin was fully aware of what he was doing. Jurors voted 8-4 in 1990 to recommend a death sentence. Gaskin has filed several unsuccessful appeals since his sentencing.
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According to the letter shared with Florida Jolt by the Governor’s office, Gaskin is set to be executed on April 12 at 6 pm. It will be the fourth execution carried out under Gov. Ron DeSantis. It will also be the second execution this year, after double-murderer Donald Dillbeck was put to death last month, ending a pause on capital punishment in Florida dating to 2019.
According to court documents, Gaskin has until March 31 to appeal his sentencing.
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