At 3:37pm yesterday, I was preparing a fact sheet for legislators when I received the text message I had been expecting but dreading. It came from a lawyer that our team has worked with several times over the past year, and it read: “Warrant for Melvin Trotter, 02/24.”
Over the next few hours before the warrant was officially posted on the Florida Supreme Court’s website, I spoke with colleagues, read about Melvin’s case, and, of course, wrapped up that fact sheet.
This was the 30th time I had received such a text during Gov. DeSantis’ tenure, but it always brings up a bizarre mix of emotions for me. Yesterday in particular, I first felt sadness for the family and friends of Virgie Langford, the victim in Melvin’s case. At that very moment, they were likely receiving a call from the governor’s office inviting them to travel to the prison in Raiford, Florida, to watch a man die. As a murder victim’s family member myself, I immediately wondered what they were doing when their phone rang (Were they standing in line at the bank? Were they picking their kids up from school? Were they even still alive?) and how they felt upon hearing the news that their grief would be opened anew.
I then felt anger on behalf of the legal team who would now be gearing up for a 30-day mad dash to attempt to save their clients life, and for the men on death row who had just watched another friend be taken away for what could very well be the last time. Finally, I felt sympathy for Melvin — a man with an intellectual disability who, doctors opined, could not even understand the words perjury, prosecution, or attendance. I hoped he wasn’t afraid, and I hoped that his friends and loved ones were with people who could support them.
Melvin’s execution is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 at 6 pm, and I know we’ll have more to say before then. For now, please take a moment to sign his petition and share it with a friend.
Ronald “Ronnie” Heath: Clemency Exists for Cases Like This
In just over two weeks, Tuesday, February 10, Ronald Heath is scheduled to be executed for the 1989 murder of Michael Sheridan. Ronnie was not, and has never been accused of being, the gunman in Mr. Sheridan’s murder. His younger brother Kenneth fired the fatal shot, but took a plea deal to save his own life. Kenneth is still alive, and, in stark contrast to his at most equally-culpable brother, actually eligible for parole.
Ronnie is a perfect example of who clemency was created for. He is not asking to be let out of prison, nor is he asking to be made parole-eligible like his brother is. He is simply asking not to be executed for a crime in which he did not personally kill the victim and for which he still shows great remorse for.
There is precedent for this, as seen in the case of Tremane Wood in Oklahoma only a few months ago where Governor Stitt granted clemency. Gov. DeSantis can and should make that same choice that Gov. Stitt did, and we hope you’ll sign the petition and send him a letter asking him to do so. And, if the execution does proceed, we hope you’ll mark your calendar to hold space with us on that day.
An Invitation to Bear Witness
I know that many of you have rung the bell outside Florida State Prison during an execution vigil and found the experience moving. Our friends at Death Penalty Action are working to replicate this nationally through their For Whom the Bells Toll campaign by asking churches and communities of faith to toll their bells on the day of an execution as an act of public witness and prayerful protest. More information can be found on their website. Please consider raising this with your spiritual community as we prepare for these first two executions.
May everyone reading this stay safe and warm as the bitter cold comes towards the east coast this weekend. I am so grateful to be in this fight with all of you!
Onward,
Grace Hanna
FADP Executive Director
P.S. Bearing witness takes resources. From late-night briefings to early-morning filings, vigils, and outreach to families, your donation makes it possible for us to remain present when lives are on the line. If you’re able, we’re grateful for your support.