UPDATE: A Florida man, Norman Mearle Grim Jr., was executed on Tuesday evening for the brutal rape and murder of his neighbor, marking the 15th execution in the state this year—a record high. Grim, aged 65, was pronounced dead at 6:14 p.m. at the Florida State Prison near Starke following a three-drug lethal injection protocol.
In his final moments, Grim declined to make a statement, responding simply with, “No sir,” as reported by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ spokesperson, Alex Lanfranconi. There were no reported complications during the execution process, according to officials.
Grim was convicted of the 1998 rape and murder of Cynthia Campbell. Her remains were discovered by a fisherman near the Pensacola Bay Bridge after she was reported missing that July. Prosecutors revealed that Campbell had endured severe injuries, including 11 stab wounds—seven of which penetrated her heart—and multiple blunt-force trauma injuries consistent with being struck by a hammer.
This execution marks a significant increase in the state’s use of capital punishment, as Florida has executed more individuals than any other state in the country this year. In stark contrast, Texas and Alabama follow with just five executions each. The previous peak for Florida executions was eight, recorded in 2014.
Grim’s execution follows a waiver of his appeals earlier this month, which is a legal avenue available to inmates after a death warrant is signed. Earlier on the day of his execution, Grim had a meal of fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, and a chocolate milkshake but had no visitors or spiritual counsel.
Looking ahead, Florida is set to carry out two additional executions next month. Both are already scheduled under death warrants signed by Governor DeSantis: one on November 13 for a man convicted in the 1979 abduction and murder of a six-year-old girl, and another on November 20 for a man convicted in the 1988 fatal beating of his former manager.
As the state continues its aggressive approach to capital punishment, the ongoing debate surrounding the death penalty intensifies. Grim’s execution adds to the complex conversation about justice and the efficacy of capital punishment as a deterrent in violent crimes.
With at least 18 more executions anticipated across the U.S. for the remainder of 2025 and into next year, observers remain vigilant about the implications of these legal proceedings on the broader justice system.
