Thomas Lee Gudinas is set to be executed on June 24, 2025, at Florida State Prison for the 1994 rape and murder of Michelle McGrath, following the denial of his appeals.

Gudinas, convicted in 1995 for the brutal crime, has faced multiple appeals that were recently rejected by both the Florida and U.S. Supreme Courts, which found insufficient grounds regarding claims of his mental disability. His execution will mark the seventh in Florida in 2025, further solidifying the state’s position as the leading executor in the nation this year, amidst ongoing debates about the death penalty and its implications for justice.

Michelle McGrath was last seen alive on May 24, 1994, at Barbarella’s bar in the Orlando area. Her disappearance prompted an extensive investigation that culminated in the recovery of her body, which bore significant evidence of trauma and sexual assault, leading authorities to suspect foul play.

During the investigation, witnesses reported seeing Gudinas fleeing the area shortly after McGrath's disappearance. This testimony, along with forensic evidence, contributed to his conviction for the crime in 1995. The details of the case captured public attention and brought scrutiny to issues surrounding violence against women.

Since Gudinas's conviction, he has maintained his innocence, a stance he has held throughout the lengthy legal proceedings. His defense team has argued that several factors, including his mental health, should mitigate the death penalty. However, the latest appeal was denied by the Florida Supreme Court, while the U.S. Supreme Court has not yet released a decision on Gudinas's appeals.

Following the recent rejections of his appeals, Gudinas’s legal team filed motions with the Florida Supreme Court that included claims regarding his mental competency. The state Supreme Court ruled last week that the laws intended to protect mentally disabled individuals do not apply to Gudinas, leading to the conclusion that he remains eligible for execution.

Additionally, a federal filing from Gudinas's attorneys has raised questions about the constitutionality of the death warrant signing process, suggesting it may violate his constitutional rights. This filing highlights ongoing legal debates regarding the administration of the death penalty, including issues of due process and the handling of capital cases.

As of now, the U.S. Supreme Court has not yet issued a ruling on Gudinas's appeals. The anticipation surrounding the Supreme Court's decision reflects the broader tension in the justice system concerning the application of the death penalty, particularly in high-profile cases such as this one.

Florida has become known for its high execution rates, executing more people than any other state in 2025. Gudinas's case is part of a continuing trend, with his upcoming execution set to be the seventh in Florida this year, raising questions about the state's approach to capital punishment and its emphasis on deterrence.

The increasing number of executions has reignited discussions among lawmakers, activists, and the general public regarding the morality, efficacy, and legality of the death penalty. Advocates on both sides of the debate have intensified their efforts to influence public opinion and policy in light of high-profile cases, including that of Gudinas.

As the execution date approaches, advocates have continued to call for a reassessment of capital punishment laws, arguing that they disproportionately affect marginalized individuals; however, the state maintains that its justice system is structured to ensure fair and thorough proceedings. Gudinas’s case will likely remain a focal point in ongoing discussions about justice reform in Florida and across the United States.