Norman Mearle Grim Jr., 65, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on October 28 for the 1998 sexual battery and murder of his next-door neighbor in Northwest Florida, Cynthia Campbell.
Grim has waived his right to appeal, choosing not to pursue a legal fight against the execution. The decision came during an October 1 hearing in Santa Rosa County circuit court.
Circuit Judge Clifton Drake confirmed the waiver in an order, writing that the defendant “indicated that his wish was to forego all warrant (legal) proceedings and allow execution to proceed.” Grim was advised of his right to appeal but stated, “No appeals.”
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The waiver is particularly notable as all 14 inmates executed in Florida earlier this year pursued appeals. Ordinarily, the signing of a death warrant by Gov. Ron DeSantis—who signed Grim’s warrant on September 26—triggers a flurry of legal arguments spanning from the circuit court up to the U.S. Supreme Court. For example, the U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected an appeal by Samuel Smithers hours before his execution.
Grim’s decision means no appeal was filed by the deadline established by the Florida Supreme Court. Judge Drake also advised Grim that waiving the state-court proceedings would likely harm any federal case he might pursue.
Before accepting the waiver, the court ensured Grim was competent. Judge Drake wrote that he conducted an “extensive colloquy,” and the defendant “was alert, understood the English language and was not under the influence of anything that would impair his judgment or prevent him from thinking clearly.”
Details of the 1998 Murder
Grim was convicted in December 2000 for the brutal death of Campbell, an attorney and his neighbor in Santa Rosa County. Her body was discovered by fishermen in Pensacola Bay after she was reported missing.
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Prosecutors stated that Campbell suffered horrific injuries. The autopsy revealed multiple blunt-force injuries to her face and head consistent with being struck by a hammer. She also had 11 stab wounds in her chest, with seven of those wounds penetrating her heart.
Physical evidence, including DNA, was crucial in tying Grim to the crime.
If the execution proceeds as scheduled, Grim will be the 15th inmate executed this year in Florida.
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