Florida executes man convicted of 1986 grocery store owner killing

In Brief

Melvin Trotter executed for 1986 stabbing death, second execution in Florida this year.

Key Facts

• Melvin Trotter, 65, was executed by lethal injection in Florida
• Execution occurred at Florida state prison near Starke at 6:15 pm
• Trotter was convicted for the 1986 stabbing death of Virgie Langford, a 70-year-old grocery store owner
• This execution marks the second carried out by Florida in 2025
• Florida set a record with 19 executions in 2025

What Happened

Melvin Trotter was executed by lethal injection on Tuesday at Florida state prison near Starke. He was convicted of the 1986 stabbing death of Virgie Langford, a 70-year-old grocery store owner. This was the second execution carried out by Florida in 2025, a year in which the state set a record with 19 executions.

Why It Matters

The execution highlights Florida's continued use of capital punishment and its high number of executions in 2025. It raises ongoing discussions about the death penalty's application and its role in the state's criminal justice system. The case also draws attention to long delays between conviction and execution.