James Ford, a Florida man, is set to be executed next month after being convicted of the brutal murders of Greg and Kimberly Malnory during a fishing trip nearly 30 years ago. The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, signed the death warrant for Ford, who will be executed on February 13 at Florida State Prison.
On April 7, 1997, the bodies of the Malnorys were discovered at a remote sod farm in Charlotte County. Both had been bludgeoned and shot multiple times.
Kimberly Malnory was also raped, and their 22-month-old baby was found alone in the truck, exposed to the elements and covered in her mother’s blood. Ford was convicted of sexual battery and child abuse in addition to the murders.
This execution will be the first in Florida in 2025, signaling a return to the use of the death penalty in the state after a brief pause. In 2024, only one execution took place, following a three-year hiatus during which Governor DeSantis did not approve any executions, focusing on his presidential campaign.
Ford’s upcoming execution has reignited discussions about the death penalty in Florida, with many highlighting the lengthy legal battles and debates over its application. It also marks the first of several potential executions scheduled for the year.
