A Florida man was executed on Tuesday evening for the 1998 murder of his neighbor, marking the state’s 15th execution of the year. Norman Mearle Grim Jr., aged 65, received lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke at 6:14 p.m. His execution highlights Florida’s status as the state with the highest number of executions this year, surpassing Texas and Alabama, both of which have conducted five executions.
Details of the Case
Grim was convicted of sexual battery and first-degree murder in December 2000 for the brutal killing of 40-year-old Cynthia Campbell. She was reported missing in 1998, with her body eventually discovered by a fisherman near the Pensacola Bay Bridge. An autopsy revealed that Campbell had sustained severe injuries, including multiple blunt-force trauma to her face and head, consistent with being struck by a hammer. Notably, she also had 11 stab wounds, with seven penetrating her heart.
Evidence and Conviction
- Convicted in December 2000.
- Physical evidence linked Grim to the crime, including DNA.
After receiving a death warrant, inmates typically have a final chance to appeal their sentence. However, Grim waived his right to appeal earlier this month during a court hearing.
Final Hours
On the day of his execution, Grim started his morning at 6 a.m. He had a last meal consisting of fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, a chocolate milkshake, and pie. According to Florida Department of Corrections spokesman Ted Veerman, Grim did not have any visitors or meet with a spiritual adviser prior to his execution.
Upcoming Executions in Florida
This year, 40 prisoners have been executed across the United States. In Florida, at least 18 additional executions are planned for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.
- Bryan Fredrick Jennings, 66, scheduled for execution on November 13 for the murder of a 6-year-old girl.
- Richard Barry Randolph, 63, scheduled for execution on November 20 for the fatal beating of a former manager in 1988.
Florida’s Execution Methods
Since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, Florida has reached a record execution tally. The state’s lethal injections utilize a combination of a sedative, a paralytic agent, and a drug that causes cardiac arrest.
