Franklin Delano Floyd, also known as Brandon Williams, is a convicted felon and suspect in several high-profile crimes, including the murder of Cheryl Commesso and the kidnapping of Michael Hughes. Despite his notoriety, Floyd's life and crimes remain shrouded in mystery, with many questions still unanswered. Here are five facts about Franklin Delano Floyd:
Early Life and Crimes

Floyd was born on June 17, 1943, in Barnesville, Georgia. His early life was marked by instability and violence, with his mother allegedly abandoning him at a young age. Floyd’s first brush with the law came in 1960, when he was arrested for burglary and sentenced to five years in prison. After his release, Floyd continued to commit crimes, including armed robbery and assault, earning him a reputation as a violent and elusive fugitive.
The Murder of Cheryl Commesso
In 1989, Floyd was arrested in connection with the murder of Cheryl Commesso, a 36-year-old exotic dancer who was found shot to death in a Florida motel room. Floyd was later convicted of Commesso’s murder and sentenced to death, but his conviction was overturned on appeal due to prosecutorial misconduct. Floyd has consistently maintained his innocence in the crime, despite overwhelming evidence linking him to the scene.
| Crime | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Murder of Cheryl Commesso | 1989 | Florida |
| Kidnapping of Michael Hughes | 1990 | North Carolina |
| Armed Robbery | 1965 | Georgia |

The Kidnapping of Michael Hughes

In 1990, Floyd kidnapped six-year-old Michael Hughes from a bus stop in North Carolina. The kidnapping sparked a massive manhunt, with Floyd eventually being arrested in Oklahoma after a high-speed chase. Floyd was later convicted of the kidnapping and sentenced to 52 years in prison, but his exact motives for the crime remain unclear.
Psychological Profile
Psychologists have described Floyd as a highly intelligent and manipulative individual, capable of adopting different personas to evade detection. Floyd’s crimes are often characterized by their brutality and randomness, with some experts speculating that he may be a serial killer. Despite his notoriety, Floyd has never been formally diagnosed with any psychological disorders, and his true motivations for committing his crimes may never be fully understood.
Key Points
- Floyd was born on June 17, 1943, in Barnesville, Georgia
- He was convicted of the murder of Cheryl Commesso in 1989
- Floyd kidnapped six-year-old Michael Hughes in 1990
- He was sentenced to 52 years in prison for the kidnapping
- Floyd's exact motives for his crimes remain unclear
Franklin Delano Floyd's life and crimes are a complex and disturbing web of violence and deception. While his exact motives for committing his crimes may never be fully understood, one thing is clear: Floyd is a highly intelligent and manipulative individual who has evaded justice for far too long. As authorities continue to investigate Floyd's past, it is likely that more details will emerge about his crimes, and the true extent of his depravity will be revealed.
What was Franklin Delano Floyd’s first crime?
+Floyd’s first crime was burglary, for which he was arrested in 1960 and sentenced to five years in prison.
How many years was Floyd sentenced to for the kidnapping of Michael Hughes?
+Floyd was sentenced to 52 years in prison for the kidnapping of Michael Hughes.
What is Franklin Delano Floyd’s current status?
+Floyd is currently serving his sentence in a federal prison, and his exact release date is unclear due to the complexity of his case and the multiple sentences he is serving.