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Florida execution to be nation’s 2nd today, 4th this week. What to know about the case.

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Florida execution to be nation’s 2nd today, 4th this week. What to know about the case.



Edward Thomas James is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Thursday for the brutal rapes and murders of a woman and her granddaughter. It’ll follow a morning execution in Oklahoma.

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A Florida death row inmate is set to become the fourth man executed in the U.S. this week and the 10th so far this year.

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Edward Thomas James, 63, is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Thursday for the brutal 1993 murders of 58-year-old Elizabeth “Betty” Dick and her 8-year-old granddaughter, Toni Neuner, who was raped.

James’ execution is expected to come about seven hours after the scheduled execution of Wendell Arden Grissom in Oklahoma for a home-invasion murder. It also comes two days after Louisiana executed Jessie Hoffman by nitrogen gas on Tuesday and a day after Arizona put Aaron Gunches to death by lethal injection on Wednesday.

If his execution moves forward, James will be the second inmate to be executed in Florida this year and the 10th in the U.S.

“This defendant deserves no more mercy than that he showed his two victims,” trial prosecutor Tom Hastings told jurors in 1995, according to an archived Associated Press story.

Although James has previously said he deserves to be executed, his attorneys have recently been fighting to save his life.

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Here’s what you need to know about James’ execution, including why his attorneys say he deserves to be spared.

What did Edward Thomas James do?

On the night of Sept. 20, 1993, Betty Dick was at home in the metro Orlando city of Casselberry with four of her grandchildren, who were between the ages of 2 and 10, when James arrived. He had been renting a room in Dick’s home for about six months and had known the family for years, according to archived news stories.

Drunk and high on crack and possibly LSD, James apparently snapped, grabbing a sleeping 8-year-old Toni Neuner, strangling and brutally raping her before he threw her lifeless body behind his bed. He told detectives that he remembered thinking, “Eddie, this ain’t no fun … I’ll get me a grown woman.”

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He then went to Dick’s bedroom, where he admitted to bludgeoning her, attempting to rape her and then stabbing her 23 times before fleeing the state with her purse, jewelry and car − setting off a frantic manhunt.

James confessed to the crimes after he was recognized on the “America’s Most Wanted” television show and captured in California following a 17-day manhunt. He has always acknowledged his guilt and has even said he deserves the death penalty.

“I don’t want to die but I do believe it’s the proper penalty for what I committed,” he said in court in 2003, according to an archived story in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. “From now until the time they execute me, I’m just going to exist, come as close to peace with what I did … I feel in my heart that I’m doing the right thing.”

Who were Betty Dick and Toni Neuner?

Betty Dick’s children told the Orlando Sentinel that their mother took James in out of the goodness of her heart and that no one in the family would have ever suspected him capable of murder.

That was just who Dick was: a loving grandmother always looking out for others, they said, adding that it was a struggle for her other grandchildren to understand what happened to her and Toni, described by her aunt as an outgoing girl who was inseparable from her older sister Wendi, who was in the home the night of the murders and tried to intervene before James tied her up.

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“She’s got a lot of anger inside of her,” her aunt, Brenda Teed, told the newspaper. “It’s unbelievable what she watched happen. She thinks if she could have gotten up sooner, she could’ve saved them.”

She said that the family told Dick’s other grandchildren that “Grandma and Toni are in heaven, but they don’t understand why.”

“We tell them they can go outside and wave at the stars and they’ll be waving at Grandma,” she told the Sentinel.

As for James, she told the newspaper that they just wanted to understand why he did what he did.

“I’m angry as hell. I’m having a hard time believing in God,” Teed said. “We have to live with the images the rest of our lives of what he did to them.”

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When and where will James be executed?

James is set to be executed just after 6 p.m. ET at the Florida State Prison in Raiford, about 40 miles west of Jacksonville.

What are James’ attorneys arguing?

James’ attorneys have been arguing that he isn’t fit for execution because he has experienced significant cognitive decline in recent years, to the point that he can’t remember simple words and loses track of conversations.

“He does not remember the homicides or his behavior leading up to them. However, he desired to be punished and even executed throughout the years,” psychologist Yenys Castillo wrote after evaluating James. “It is unclear whether Mr. James truly appreciated the seriousness and finality of being sentenced to die during his initial penalty phase and postconviction proceedings, and these competency concerns persist into the present day.”

In a recent court filing, his attorneys said that James pleaded guilty to the murders “despite a glaring lack of memory of the crimes,” adding that he suffers from “a nearly lifelong history of substance abuse, clear signs of mental illness, and memory impairment including indicators of early-onset dementia.”

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His condition makes executing him cruel and unusual punishment, which is a violation of his constitutional rights, his attorneys have argued.

So far, all courts have rejected those arguments and little is standing in the way of James’ execution.



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Florida

200 Marines head to Florida in support of ICE as military takes stronger stance on immigration

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200 Marines head to Florida in support of ICE as military takes stronger stance on immigration


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U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is sending approximately 200 Marines to Florida in support of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) interior immigration enforcement mission.

Marines attached to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina are responding as part of a request by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Secretary of Defense Sean Parnell requested backup in support of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas with critical administrative and logistical capabilities at locations as directed by ICE.

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PENTAGON RELEASES 150 NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS FROM SECURITY MISSION DEPLOYMENT IN LA AS WILDFIRE THREATS MOUNT

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brandon Mokris, left, from North Carolina, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 272, and Lt. Col. Sean O’Rourke, from Minnesota, the oncoming commanding officer of MWSS-272, observe the pass and review during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, June 18, 2025.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Loriann Dauscher)

Parnell approved a mobilization of 700 in all to include active, National Guard and reserve forces. The Marines are in the first wave of USNORTHCOM’s support.

“Service members participating in this mission will perform strictly non-law enforcement duties within ICE facilities. Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks, and they are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in any aspect of the custody chain,” according to a statement released by USNORTHCOM.

Parnell stated in his statement that the support will relieve some of the unnecessary strain on law enforcement.

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TROOPS AT THE BORDER: HOW THE MILITARY’S ROLE IN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT HAS EXPLODED UNDER TRUMP

Sean Parnell Defense Department briefing

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon on Mar. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.  (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

“This support provides critical resources to support ICE’s mission, freeing up law enforcement personnel to focus on law enforcement tasks and missions. The Department remains committed to securing 100% operational control of the border,” the statement said.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy have also taken over positions on federal land along the southern border, under a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. 

The area, a roughly 250-mile stretch, located in Texas’ Cameron and Hidalgo counties, is being transferred to Air Force control and will fall under the jurisdiction of Joint Base San Antonio. It will be managed as part of a newly established National Defense Area (NDA).

Military zone at the southern border

A military member watches at the southern border. (Reuters )

In June, a battalion of 500 U.S. Marines mobilized to Los Angeles in response to anti-immigration enforcement riots, causing an outcry from liberal critics such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. 

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The governor’s office both downplayed the troop movement and called it “completely uncalled for.” 

The moves are part of a broader mission managed by the Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB), a joint effort between the Air Force and U.S. Northern Command to consolidate and strengthen military presence along the border.



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Man who helped Florida girl bitten by shark may be facing deportation

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Man who helped Florida girl bitten by shark may be facing deportation


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A man who ran into the water to help a 9-year-old girl after she was bitten by a shark in Florida may be facing deportation after he was arrested and accused of driving without a license days after the attack.

Luis Alvarez, 31, of Lehigh Acres, in Lee County, Florida, around 140 miles northwest of Miami, was stopped about 1:30 a.m. on June 14 after police say he was driving without his headlights on.

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He was driving a gray SUV with a Rhode Island tag, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.

Court records indicate he is being held in jail by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to reporting from the Fort Myers News-Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. He is scheduled to go before a judge on July 9.

USA TODAY has reached out to ICE for more information.

Why was Alvarez arrested?

On the day of the arrest, at around 1:30 a.m. local time, police say Alvarez was driving a car without its headlights on when he was pulled over.

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When asked for his license, Alvarez called up a picture of his Employment Authorization Card on his phone. He told the arresting officer in Spanish that he had been in the country for two-and-a-half years and had never had a driver’s license, according to the arrest report.

Alvarez was arrested on a charge of driving without a license and was issued a warning for not having his headlights on.

The arrest report said Alvarez is from Boaco, Nicaragua. Court records indicate he is being held in jail by ICE.

Alvarez previously arrested in different Florida county

Court records indicate Alvarez has no arrest history in Collier County. He was arrested on similar charges of not having a valid driver’s license four times in Lee County, dating back to December 2023. Lee County is located in southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast.

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He paid fines or had adjudication withheld by three different judges. In the most recent case, the judge issued a D6 suspension on June 23, meaning since Alvarez had not paid his fine, he was unable to apply for a license.

Alvarez ran in to help girl attacked by shark

Alvarez was on the beach and ran into the water to help on June 11 when Leah Lendel, 9, was bitten by a shark.

Lendel’s hand was nearly severed after the attack, which happened in the ocean a few feet off the beach in Boca Grande, Florida.

Lendel’s hand was nearly severed, but fast action at the scene and an airlift to Tampa General Hospital allowed surgeons to reattach her hand. She is recovering.

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Alvarez went into the water first to scare the shark, her sister Raynel Lugo, who also helped during the rescue, said in an interview with Fox4 News.

“He jumped in that area to bring her out when I was assisting Leah,” said Lugo in the Fox4 interview. “He went deep underwater, not even caring about the shark. He went really deep. He probably faced the shark.”

Body camera footage from a Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy who responded to the call shows the three men standing next to the water as Leah was being treated by EMS.

Alvarez, through an interpreter, told first responders it looked like about an eight-foot shark. Experts later said it was possibly a bull shark, one of the more aggressive sharks in Florida waters.

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, XInstagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com

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Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Cash4Life results for June 28, 2025

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Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Cash4Life results for June 28, 2025


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The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots. Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Saturday, June 28, 2025

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Winning Powerball numbers from June 28 drawing

04-35-43-52-62, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 28 drawing

08-15-22-34-62, Powerball: 22

Winning Florida Lotto numbers from June 28 drawing

02-09-11-22-37-52

Check Florida Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from June 28 drawing

03-08-18-21-27-42

Check Lotto Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from June 28 drawing

20-22-36-48-58, Cash Ball: 01

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from June 28 drawing

Midday: 02-12-19-26-29

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Evening: 02-07-12-20-25

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 28 drawing

Morning: 02

Matinee: 12

Afternoon: 08

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Evening: 13

Late Night: 13

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 2 numbers from June 28 drawing

Midday: 7-8, FB: 9

Evening: 3-1, FB: 5

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Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 28 drawing

Midday: 8-9-4, FB: 9

Evening: 1-6-9, FB: 5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 28 drawing

Midday: 7-1-2-9, FB: 9

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Evening: 6-3-1-3, FB: 5

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from June 28 drawing

Midday: 9-4-3-9-0, FB: 9

Evening: 6-6-1-8-7, FB: 5

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
  • Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
  • Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

  • Full name
  • City of residence
  • Game won
  • Date won
  • Amount won
  • Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
  • Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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