With his execution date less than three weeks away, death row inmate Edward James is making a last-ditch effort to halt the lethal injection. James’ attorney, Dawn Macready, filed a notice of appeal on Friday with the Florida Supreme Court, challenging a lower court’s decision to allow the execution to proceed.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed James’ death warrant on February 18th, scheduling his execution for March 20th. James, 63, was convicted in 1993 for the brutal murders of Betty Dick and her 8-year-old granddaughter, Toni Neuner, in Seminole County.
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Court documents detail the horrific nature of the crimes. James, who rented a room from Dick, strangled and sexually assaulted the young girl before stabbing Dick to death.
James’ attorney argued in the lower court that he has experienced “cognitive decline” while in prison and that executing him in his current state would constitute cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Constitution. The Circuit Judge, Melanie Chase, rejected this argument.
READ: Florida Death Row Inmate Loran K. Cole Executed After 30 Years: Final Moments Witnessed By 19
The notice of appeal filed Friday does not yet detail the specific arguments that will be presented to the Florida Supreme Court. However, it is expected that James’ attorney will focus on his alleged cognitive decline and whether he is currently competent to be executed.
If the execution proceeds, James would be the second inmate put to death in Florida this year.
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