Florida is set to execute Norman Mearle Grim Jr., a 65-year-old man convicted of murdering his neighbor in 1998. This execution will mark the fifteenth in Florida this year, an unprecedented number since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. Scheduled for October 28, this execution, as reported by the Associated Press (AP), will significantly surpass the state's recent high of eight executions in 2014.
Leading the nation in executions this year, Florida had already reached 12 by September 17, placing it at the forefront of the country. Grim's execution will be the fifteenth, with two others planned before his: Victor Tony Jones on September 30 and Samuel Lee Smithers on October 14.
In total, 33 people have been executed across the United States in 2025, exceeding last year's count of 25 and nearing the 2014 record of 35 nationwide executions. Alongside Florida, Alabama and Texas continue to enforce capital punishment vigorously, with recent executions occurring in September.
The Case Resurfaces Nearly Three Decades Later
Norman Mearle Grim Jr. was found guilty in 2000 for the murder of Cynthia Campbell, his neighbor in Pensacola. After being reported missing, Campbell's body was discovered days later near a bay bridge. Prosecutors revealed that Campbell was bludgeoned with a hammer, stabbed 11 times in the chest—seven of which were fatal to the heart—and sexually assaulted. DNA evidence directly connected Grim to the crime.
Despite the scheduled date, appeals are anticipated in both the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court, which could delay the execution. This record-setting number of executions in Florida has reignited the debate over the death penalty in the United States, a contentious issue that has gained momentum in 2025 amidst the rapid pace of executions in the southern states.
Questions About Florida's Execution Practices
Why is Florida leading the nation in executions this year?
Florida has implemented a rigorous schedule for carrying out executions, surpassing its recent record and leading the nation with 15 executions planned for this year.
What is the significance of Norman Mearle Grim Jr.'s case?
Norman Mearle Grim Jr.'s case is significant due to its nearly three-decade history and the severity of the crime, which included murder and sexual assault. It highlights the ongoing debate about the death penalty in the U.S.
What are the potential outcomes of the pending appeals?
The pending appeals in the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court could potentially delay Norman Mearle Grim Jr.'s execution, depending on the rulings.