BREAKING: A Florida man has been executed for the brutal rape and murder of his neighbor, marking the 15th execution in the state this year. Norman Mearle Grim Jr., 65, was pronounced dead at 6:14 PM on October 24, 2023, following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke.
This execution highlights Florida’s alarming surge in capital punishment, as it now leads the nation with more executions than any other state, surpassing Texas and Alabama, both of which have executed five individuals this year. Grim’s case adds to a troubling trend, with two more executions scheduled next month under Governor Ron DeSantis.
Before the execution, Grim declined to make a final statement, simply replying, “No sir,” as the lethal drugs were administered. Officials reported no complications during the process, which is consistent with the state’s protocol for carrying out executions.
Grim was convicted of the **1998** rape and murder of **Cynthia Campbell**, whose body was discovered in waters near the Pensacola Bay Bridge by a fisherman. Authorities reported that Campbell had suffered multiple blunt-force injuries consistent with being struck by a hammer, along with 11 stab wounds to her chest, seven of which penetrated her heart. DNA evidence directly linked Grim to the crime.
The execution follows Grim’s waiver of any appeals, which is a critical last step before an execution can proceed. After a death warrant is signed, inmates typically have the opportunity to challenge their sentences, but Grim chose to forgo this option.
As of now, Florida remains on track for further executions, with two scheduled for November. The next is set for **November 13**, when another inmate will face execution for the **1979** murder of a six-year-old girl. Just a week later, another individual is scheduled to be executed for a **1988** murder.
The implications of these executions spark ongoing debates about the death penalty in the U.S., particularly concerning its efficacy and morality. With at least **18 more executions** planned nationwide for the remainder of **2025** and next year, the conversation around capital punishment continues to intensify.
This execution not only serves as a somber reminder of the justice system’s finality but also raises significant questions about the future of the death penalty in America. Florida’s record this year is a stark indicator of changing attitudes and policies surrounding capital punishment in the state and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates as developments unfold in Florida’s ongoing execution schedule.
