On Tuesday, Florida executed its 15th inmate of the year under Governor Ron DeSantis. Norman Mir Grimm Jr., age 65, was put to death for the rape and murder of his neighbor, an offense committed over two decades ago.
A spokesperson for DeSantis, Alex Lanfranconi, reported that Grimm was pronounced dead at 6:14 p.m. after receiving three lethal injections at a state prison near Stark. When asked if he had any last words, he simply responded with “no.” Lanfranconi noted the execution proceeded without any complications.
Grimm was found guilty of sexual assault and first-degree murder in the case of Cynthia Campbell. She was reported missing in July 1998, and her body was discovered by a fisherman in the ocean close to the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Prosecutors presented evidence that Campbell had suffered severe blunt force injuries to her face and head, likely from a hammer, alongside 11 stab wounds to her chest. An autopsy confirmed that seven of those wounds had penetrated her heart, and DNA evidence linked Grimm to the crime.
This year has seen a remarkable increase in executions in Florida, with nine carried out so far—breaking a 50-year record. It’s noteworthy that Florida has executed more individuals than any other state this year, with Texas and Alabama following, each with five.
Interestingly, Grimm had waived his right to appeal his conviction earlier this month, despite having one last opportunity to do so with both the Florida and U.S. Supreme Courts.
Grimm had a final meal of fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, and a chocolate milkshake on the morning of his execution. According to a spokeswoman, he did not have any visitors or meet with a spiritual advisor.
Looking ahead, Florida has two more executions scheduled for November. Brian Fredrick Jennings, 66, is set for execution on November 13th for kidnapping and murdering a young girl in 1979. Richard Barry Randolph, 63, will follow on November 20th for the 1988 murder of a convenience store manager.
Florida’s execution process involves lethal injections that consist of sedatives, paralytics, and drugs that cause cardiac arrest.
