Florida has reached a significant milestone under Governor Ron DeSantis with the execution of Norman Mearle Grim Jr., marking the state’s 15th execution of the year. This statistic underscores a shift in Florida’s approach to the death penalty and reflects a commitment to addressing severe criminal offenses. Grim, convicted for the 1998 sexual assault and murder of his neighbor, Cynthia Campbell, was executed on October 28, 2025, at the Florida State Prison in Starke.
The execution was carried out using a three-drug lethal injection, a method intended to align with the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Reports indicate that the execution proceeded without complications, raising questions about the protocols and the implications of this volume of executions in Florida. Grim, upon receiving the lethal injection, did not issue a final statement, simply stating “No sir” when asked. His silence contrasts sharply with the often dramatic final words of some inmates, perhaps reflecting his acceptance of his fate.
Prior to his execution, Grim had a last meal of fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, and a chocolate milkshake, feeding into a longstanding tradition associated with death row inmates. Waking up early on the day of his execution, he consumed his last meal with apparent normalcy before facing his punishment.
The context of Grim’s execution is further emphasized by Florida’s historical position on the death penalty. Since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976, Florida consistently ranks among the leading states in terms of the number of executions carried out each year. This year, Florida is notably ahead, with 15 executions, dwarfing Texas and Alabama, which have each executed five individuals.
With Grim’s execution, Florida has not only surpassed its previous yearly record of eight executions set in 2014, but also shows no signs of slowing down. Upcoming executions include those of Bryan Fredrick Jennings and Richard Barry Randolph, indicating that the state plans to continue this trend aggressively. Jennings, slated for execution on November 13, was convicted of appalling crimes against a young girl, and Randolph on November 20 for the murder of a former manager.
Governor DeSantis has been a staunch advocate for the death penalty, and his administration’s actions align with a broader response to what it perceives as a need for stricter measures against violent crime. The governor’s position has remained clear, advocating for capital punishment as a necessary tool for justice. His call for harsh penalties, including for the assassination of public figures like Charlie Kirk, exemplifies his commitment to a tough-on-crime approach.
As Florida proceeds with its execution schedule, it is important to consider the implications of such actions not only for the criminals involved but also for societal perceptions of justice and punishment. Grim’s execution serves as a stark reminder of the state’s unwavering stance on capital punishment and the ongoing debates surrounding its moral and ethical bearings.
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