On November 5, 2026 the State of Florida is scheduled to execute Jesse Guardado for the 2004 murder of Jackie Thornton Malone in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Jackie was a mother, grandmother, real estate professional, and community volunteer who helped people find homes and represented children’s interests in court. She had also helped Jesse find work after his release from prison. As Hurricane Ivan approached the Gulf Coast, Jackie planned to stay home with her dog. Two days later, after she failed to appear at work, her brother found her dead inside her home.

This episode follows Jackie’s life and the people she helped, the investigation into her murder, Guardado’s confession and sentencing, and two decades of legal challenges.

This is the second of three cases covered by Scheduled: An American Execution for November 5, 2026—a triple execution day.

SOURCES

Guardado v. State, Florida Supreme Court, 2007 — confession, physical evidence, sentencing, and direct appeal.

State’s answer brief and defense initial brief, Florida Supreme Court case SC05-2035 — investigation, medical testimony, victim-impact testimony, and sentencing arguments.

Guardado v. State, Florida Supreme Court, 2015 — postconviction proceedings, psychological evidence, mitigation, jury selection, and trial counsel’s representation.

Guardado v. Jones, Florida Supreme Court, 2017 — Florida’s sentencing procedure and the application of Hurst v. Florida.

Guardado v. State, Florida Supreme Court, March 8, 2018 — further review of the Hurst sentencing claims.

Guardado v. Secretary, Florida Department of Corrections, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, August 12, 2024 — federal review of mitigation and jury-selection claims.

Guardado v. State, Florida Supreme Court, October 29, 2026 — death-warrant proceedings, clemency, and renewed postconviction claims.

Guardado v. Secretary, Department of Corrections, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, October 30, 2026 — request for an injunction and stay concerning Florida’s execution procedure.

United States Supreme Court, docket 26A623 — execution-related application and filings.

Governor Ron DeSantis, death warrant signed October 5, 2026 — execution date and executive clemency determination.

DeFuniak Springs Herald–Breeze newspaper archive — Jackie Thornton Malone’s obituary; Ron Kelley’s September 23, 2004 report, “DeFuniak Springs woman murdered in her home”; “Farewell Miss Jackie” coworker tribute; Bruce Collier’s reporting on counsel and penalty proceedings; and F. Diane Pickett’s memorial letter.

Walton County Board of County Commissioners meeting records, 1998–2004 — Jackie’s work concerning housing assistance, fire-service funding, and emergency medical services.

National Weather Service and Florida Department of Environmental Protection — Hurricane Ivan’s development, landfall, and regional effects.

Property listing photographs and descriptions for Jackie’s former Thornton Road home — physical setting and later property descriptions.