Protesters hold signs on the corner of a busy Pinellas intersection. By Chris Young/WMNF News (23 Feb. 2023).
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) will be holding a vigil for Norman Mearle Grim Jr.’s execution on Oct. 28 from 5 to 6 p.m. on the corners of Ulmerton Rd. and 49th St. N.
John Stewart is a member of FADP and he said for every execution they hold a vigil.
“We do that because first of all the death penalty does nothing to reduce murder rate, never has never will. Second of all it is far more expensive than life in prison and people don’t know that and they assume it’s cheaper,” Stewart said.
He said people tend to overlook the death penalty and he wants to remind residents this is still an issue.
For this execution, Grim has not received legal representation according to a press release from FADP. This makes Grim’s execution even more important.
“Even if you support the death penalty it should be carried out with all legal procedures and cautions in place,” Stewart said.
He also said it took the state four days to get Grim an attorney after the death warrant was signed. This left only a few days to go over all the documents and records. Stewart said this resulted in Grim to give up and waiving his appeal.
The location is near the near the Pinellas court and jail and he said this is to help FADP and other supporters be heard.
The vigil for Norman Grim will be from 5 to 6 in the evening.