Double homicide: Florida set to execute man for 1993 murder

Edward James, a 63 year old Florida man, is set to be executed today March 20, 2025, for the brutal murders of an 8-year old girl and her grandmother.

Media report says, James, who lived in the victims home, carried out the killings on September 19, 1993, after a night of heavy drinking and drug use.

According to court records, he raped and strangled Toni Neuner, 8, before throwing her body across the room.

He then stabbed Betty Dick, 58, more than 20 times using two different knives.

James pleaded guilty to the murders, child abuse and kidnapping, he was sentenced to death in 1995.

His execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Florida State Prison in Starke under a death warrant signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Barring a last-minute reprieve, this will be Florida’s second execution of 2025, with another planned for April 8.

James legal team filed multiple appeals, arguing that his long-term drug use, head injuries, and a 2023 heart attack caused cognitive decline.

They claimed that executing him would be cruel and unusual punishment, but courts rejected the argument.

The Florida Supreme Court ruled that James’ cognitive issues do not exempt him from execution.

Federal courts also dismissed claims that his heart attack resulted in brain damage warranting a reduced sentence.

Florida uses a three-drug lethal injection, which includes a sedative, a paralytic, and a drug that stops the heart.

This execution follows others in the U.S. this week, including one in Louisiana using nitrogen gas.

Arizona also executed an inmate by lethal injection, and Oklahoma has another execution planned today.

James case is among several high-profile executions in Florida this year, as the state continues enforcing the death penalty.

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