Palmetto, Florida, January 24, 2026
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for Melvin Trotter, a 65-year-old man sentenced to death for the 1986 murder of Virgie Langford in Palmetto, Florida. Scheduled for execution on February 24, 2026, Trotter’s case has undergone extensive legal scrutiny since his original sentencing in 1987. The upcoming execution follows another scheduled for February 10, highlighting the state’s intensified approach to capital punishment under the current administration.
Florida Schedules Execution for Melvin Trotter in 1986 Murder Case
Governor Signs Death Warrant for Convicted Killer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for 65-year-old Melvin Trotter, who is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on February 24, 2026, at Florida State Prison. This execution will follow that of Ronald Palmer Heath, set for February 10, making it Florida’s second execution of 2026.
Details of the Crime
In June 1986, Trotter was convicted of the first-degree murder of Virgie Langford, 70, the owner of Langford’s Grocery Store in Palmetto, Florida. Langford was discovered by a truck driver on the floor at the back of her store, having suffered a severe abdominal wound along with multiple stab wounds. Langford managed to identify Trotter as her attacker before succumbing to her injuries, ultimately leading to his conviction.
Legal Proceedings
Trotter’s journey through the legal system has been protracted. Initially sentenced to death in 1987, his case was reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court, which found errors concerning the handling of aggravating circumstances during his trial. This resulted in a resentencing in 1993, upholding the death penalty.
Execution Statistics
Since assuming office, Governor DeSantis has overseen a marked uptick in executions within Florida. In 2025 alone, he signed 19 death warrants, the highest total by any Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. This figure dwarfs the previous record of eight executions in a year set in 2014.
Upcoming Executions
Following Trotter’s execution, another scheduled execution will occur on February 10, 2026, for Ronald Palmer Heath, who was convicted of murder in Alachua County in 1989. This continuation of executions highlights the state’s active approach to capital punishment.
Appeals and Legal Challenges
As with many cases on death row, Trotter’s attorneys are preparing to file appeals to contest the execution. They plan to bring their case before both the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court, though at this time, no stays of execution have been granted.
Background on Florida’s Execution Practices
Florida has a long-standing practice of capital punishment, utilizing lethal injection as the method for executions. The state’s history has been fraught with legal challenges and ethical debates surrounding the death penalty, particularly during the DeSantis administration, which has pursued a notably aggressive policy towards capital punishment.
Conclusion
The coming execution of Melvin Trotter serves as a potent reminder of the complex intersection of justice, accountability, and the legal system in Florida. As the state grapples with its policies on capital punishment, the ongoing discussions reflect broader societal questions. Engaging in this discourse is essential for fostering an understanding of the legal landscape and its implications for the future of justice in our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Melvin Trotter?
- Melvin Trotter is a 65-year-old man convicted of the 1986 murder of Virgie Langford, a grocery store owner in Palmetto, Florida. He is scheduled to be executed on February 24, 2026.
- What was the nature of the crime?
- In June 1986, Trotter was convicted of the first-degree murder of Virgie Langford, 70, the owner of Langford’s Grocery Store in Palmetto, Florida. Langford was found by a truck driver on the floor at the back of her store, having suffered a large abdominal wound resulting in disembowelment and seven stab wounds. She identified Trotter as her attacker before succumbing to her injuries.
- What is the status of Trotter’s legal appeals?
- Attorneys for Trotter have indicated plans to file appeals to both the Florida and U.S. Supreme Courts. As of now, no stays of execution have been granted.
- How many executions has Governor DeSantis overseen?
- Governor DeSantis has overseen a significant increase in executions, with 19 death warrants signed in 2025—the highest number by a Florida governor since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976. The previous record was set in 2014 with eight executions.
- What is the method of execution in Florida?
- Florida carries out executions by lethal injection.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Execution Date | February 24, 2026 |
| Inmate | Melvin Trotter |
| Crime | First-degree murder of Virgie Langford, 70, in 1986 |
| Execution Method | Lethal injection |
| Governor | Ron DeSantis |
| Number of Executions in 2025 | 19 |
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