Florida Man Scheduled for Execution for 1993 Murders of Woman and Her Granddaughter
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—A man from Florida, who was found guilty of the murder of a woman and the sexual assault and murder of her 8-year-old granddaughter in Seminole County in 1993, is scheduled to be executed next month.
On Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant for 63-year-old Edward James. His execution is set for March 20 at Florida State Prison.
On September 19, 1993, James violently assaulted 8-year-old Toni Neuner while she was at her grandmother Betty Dick’s house, subsequently murdering the 58-year-old as well. James had been renting a room in Dick’s home.
According to court records, James strangled Neuner before committing acts of sexual violence against her and then flinging her body across the room. The young girl endured severe internal injuries and was ultimately strangled to death.
Afterward, James entered the bedroom of Neuner’s grandmother with the intention of assaulting her, but he instead stabbed her over 20 times with two different knives, as documented in court records.
James pleaded guilty to the murders, along with charges of child abuse and kidnapping, and entered a no contest plea to other charges he claimed he could not recall.
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This execution will mark the second in the state this year, following the execution of James Dennis Ford earlier this month for the murder of a couple in Charlotte County in 1997.
By Kate Payne
