Florida carried out the execution of Edward James, 63, for the 1993 murders of an 8-year-old girl, Toni Neuner, and her grandmother, Betty Dick, 58. The execution took place on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. at the Florida State Prison after Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant in February. James did not make a final statement before receiving a lethal injection.
The Crime
On September 19, 1993, James was renting a room at Dick’s home in Casselberry, Florida. That night, after drinking 24 beers, using LSD, and taking a drug called din, he returned home where four children, including Toni, were staying.
James attacked and killed Betty Dick, stabbing her 21 times before stealing her jewelry and car. He also raped and strangled Toni Neuner to death. The other three children in the house were not harmed.
After the murders, James fled Florida, driving across the country while selling stolen jewelry. He was eventually arrested on October 6, 1993, in Bakersfield, California. Police later obtained a videotaped confession from him.
Trial and Sentencing
James pleaded guilty to all charges, including rape, robbery, and murder. Despite his guilty plea, a jury voted 11-1 for the death penalty. He was sentenced to death for his crimes.
Over the years, his defense team filed several appeals, arguing that his long-term drug use, head injuries, and a heart attack in 2023 had caused mental decline, making execution cruel and unusual punishment. However, the courts rejected these claims. The Florida Supreme Court ruled that his cognitive issues were not severe enough to prevent execution.
Final Appeals and Execution
On the day of his execution, the U.S. Supreme Court denied James’ final appeal without comment. He was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison.
Other U.S. Executions This Week
James’ execution was one of four carried out across the U.S. this week:
- Louisiana used nitrogen gas for the first time in its history.
- Arizona executed a man who had kidnapped and murdered his girlfriend’s ex-husband.
- Oklahoma also carried out an execution by lethal injection.
James’ case highlights the long and complex legal battles surrounding the death penalty in the U.S. Despite his appeals, the courts upheld his death sentence, ensuring justice for his victims.
