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The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, signed a death warrant for Thomas Lee Gudinas, 51, convicted of the murder and rape of Michelle McGrath, a crime that shocked the city of Orlando in May 1994.
The execution is scheduled for June 24, 2025 and will be carried out by lethal injection at the Florida State Prison in Starke.
The case that shook Orlando
Gudinas was convicted of multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, two counts of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, and attempted robbery with assault, as stated in the official response from the state (Appellee) to an appeal filed by Gudinas.
The victim, Michelle McGrath, was last seen leaving Barbarella's bar in downtown Orlando. Her body was found the next day in an alley near a school, naked except for a bra pushed up over her chest, and showing clear signs of sexual assault and extreme violence.
The autopsy revealed that McGrath died from a cerebral hemorrhage following a blunt force blow to the head, likely from a kick. Objects were also found inserted in her vaginal and rectal cavities, along with injuries consistent with vaginal and anal rape. Her blood alcohol content was 0.17%.
Witnesses identified Gudina fleeing the scene and linked him to another attempted assault that same night. A woman, Rachelle Smith, stated that she was chased by him to her car, where he tried to enter by force while shouting sexual threats.
The next day, a school employee saw him in the area near where the body was found and also identified him as the person who received some keys belonging to McGrath, claiming that they were his.
The forensic evidence included Gudinas's fingerprints on the victim's vehicle and semen traces on McGrath's body. His own roommates testified that he returned home with blood-stained clothes and confessed, "I killed her, then I had sex with her."
A violent childhood and a failed defense
During the sentencing phase, the defense presented a history characterized by physical abuse, neglect, and mental disorders since childhood.
Gudinas was raised in a dysfunctional family environment, suffered abuse from his father, and was institutionalized over 100 times in Massachusetts.
Experts in neuropsychology and pharmacology stated that he suffered from severe emotional disorders, attention deficits, and chronic use of alcohol and drugs, factors that, according to the defense, impaired his self-control.
However, the jury did not seem convinced. By a vote of 10 to 2, they recommended the death penalty. Judge Belvin Perry formalized the sentence in June 1995, citing the brutality of the crime and the dangerousness of the defendant.
A new chapter in Florida's execution policy
The execution of Gudinas will be the seventh of 2025 in Florida, in a context where the state has intensified the
The case revives the debate over the death penalty in the United States, with proponents viewing it as a tool of justice, and critics arguing that it perpetuates unequal justice and does not reduce crime.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Execution of Thomas Lee Gudinas in Florida
Who is Thomas Lee Gudinas and why was he sentenced to death?
Thomas Lee Gudinas was sentenced to death for the murder and rape of Michelle McGrath in Orlando in 1994. Additionally, he was found guilty of multiple offenses, including sexual assault and attempted robbery with assault. The crime was particularly brutal, with forensic evidence and testimonies directly linking him to the case.
When is the execution of Thomas Lee Gudinas scheduled?
The execution of Thomas Lee Gudinas is scheduled for June 24, 2025. This will be carried out by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke, following the order signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
What is Florida's stance on the death penalty under the government of Ron DeSantis?
Florida has intensified the enforcement of the death penalty under Ron DeSantis's administration. In 2025, this state has already carried out several executions, with more scheduled in the coming months. This policy has been viewed as a declaration of "tough on crime," especially in cases of extreme violence.
What was the defense presented by Thomas Lee Gudinas during his trial?
The defense team of Thomas Lee Gudinas presented a history of physical abuse, neglect, and mental disorders from childhood. They claimed that these factors, along with chronic alcohol and drug use, impaired his self-control. However, the jury was not convinced and recommended the death penalty due to the brutality of the crime.
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