Man executed for double murder | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

In Florida, Edward James, 63, was executed Thursday evening for the gruesome 1993 murders of 8-year-old Toni Neuner and her grandmother Betty Dick. After receiving a lethal injection at Florida State Prison, James was pronounced dead at 8:15 p.m. He had been living in Dick's home in Casselberry, where the tragic incident occurred while he was under the influence of heavy alcohol and drugs. Court documents reveal that James consumed up to 24 beers, gin, and LSD before the attack, which ended with Toni being sexually assaulted and strangled, while her grandmother was brutally stabbed 21 times.

James had made a complete confession and pleaded guilty to the charges but was still sentenced to death based on an 11-1 jury recommendation. His execution faced challenges, including arguments about his history of substance abuse and mental decline affecting his culpability. However, the Florida Supreme Court dismissed these claims, including a new argument regarding a heart attack he suffered in prison that allegedly impacted his brain function.

On the same day, Oklahoma carried out its first execution of the year when Wendell Grissom, 56, was executed for the 2005 murder of Amber Matthews during a home-invasion robbery. Grissom was put to death by lethal injection at the McAlester penitentiary. His execution took 13 minutes, and he expressed remorse for his actions, asking for forgiveness from the victims' families, a sentiment he shared while strapped to the gurney.

Grissom and his accomplice had targeted the home of Dreu Kopf, who was injured but managed to escape and seek help. Matthews was shot multiple times and left critically wounded. Grissom's defense emphasized his acceptance of responsibility and remorse over the years, with his attorneys citing a heartfelt apology he wrote to Matthews' family during police interviews.

Both cases highlight the complex intersection of crime, punishment, and the judicial system, as well as the enduring impacts of violence on victims' families. These executions serve as chilling reminders of the brutal actions that have irrevocably changed many lives.