James Ford, a 64-year-old man sentenced to death for the 1997 murders of Greg and Kimberly Malnory, is set to be executed by the State of Florida on Thursday, February 13, at 6 pm. Having spent more than 25 years on death row, Ford’s case has become a focal point in the debate over the fairness and morality of the death penalty.
Ford was convicted and sentenced to death by a non-unanimous jury, a decision that has been increasingly called into question. His case became particularly controversial after the United States Supreme Court declared Florida’s death penalty scheme unconstitutional, but Ford missed the deadline to have his sentence overturned by just 27 days.
James Ford’s past paints a picture of a man who, despite a childhood filled with abuse and neglect, was known for his kindness, often helping those being taken advantage of. There is no criminal history prior to the murders, and his actions in 1997 may have been influenced by his health issues and a diabetic blackout resulting from excessive alcohol consumption.
Recent neuropsychological testing revealed that Ford, now 65, has severe cognitive impairments and organic brain damage. He is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and has intellectual abilities comparable to that of a 13-year-old. Experts believe that his diminished mental state further emphasizes the injustice of his execution, raising questions about his mental competence and whether he is fit for execution.
Despite these critical factors, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has signed Ford’s execution warrant, even as the Florida Supreme Court denied his request for a stay of execution. Many advocates, including groups like Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, are calling on the state to spare Ford’s life, arguing that killing him will not make Florida any safer and that it perpetuates a cycle of violence that should not be condoned.
In a statement, advocates highlighted the inconsistency of capital punishment in Florida, pointing to the fact that Ford’s case is an example of the unfair application of the death penalty. His life is at risk, despite the fact that he is no longer a danger to anyone. There is also a growing call for Governor DeSantis to reconsider his decision, with leaders from faith-based organizations, including Demetrius Minor of Conservatives Concerned, urging clemency for Ford. Minor’s letter to the governor emphasized that justice is not found in executions, but in accountability, fairness, and the possibility of redemption.
Various efforts are being made to stop Ford’s execution. Vigils, protests, and petitions are being organized across Florida and beyond. Advocates are urging people to take action by signing petitions and contacting the governor’s office to express their opposition to the execution. Faith leaders in Florida are also encouraged to speak out against the death penalty by using their voices to influence the governor’s decision. The hope is to gather enough support to persuade Governor DeSantis to halt the execution.
As the execution date approaches, the call for justice and compassion grows louder. Advocacy organizations, faith communities, and concerned citizens are uniting in an effort to ensure that James Ford’s life is spared, and to highlight the broader issue of the death penalty in Florida. The petition to halt his execution is still open for signatures, and every voice added brings the cause one step closer to achieving its goal: t