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Florida Schedules Execution for 1986 Murderer Melvin Trotter

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Melvin Trotter, 65, in the 1986 murder of grocery store owner Virgie Langford, scheduling his execution by lethal injection on February 24, 2026.
In 2025, Florida executed 19 inmates, the most since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
Ronald Heath, another inmate, faces execution on February 10.
Trotter's conviction was upheld after a retrial, and his attorneys plan appeals.

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Story summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for Melvin Trotter, 65, in the 1986 murder of grocery store owner Virgie Langford, scheduling his execution by lethal injection on February 24, 2026.
In 2025, Florida executed 19 inmates, the most since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
Ronald Heath, another inmate, faces execution on February 10.
Trotter's conviction was upheld after a retrial, and his attorneys plan appeals.