Florida newlyweds get justice after family fishing trip ended in murder

The Execution of James D. Ford and the Tragic Tale of the Malnory Couple

On a somber Thursday in 2024, James D. Ford, a 64-year-old man convicted of the heinous murders of newlyweds Greg and Kimberly Malnory in 1997, faced his final reckoning through lethal injection at Florida State Prison. This execution marked the culmination of a nearly three-decade journey for justice, initiated when Governor Ron DeSantis signed Ford’s death warrant. The couple, whose lives were brutally cut short, left behind their 22-month-old daughter, Maranda, who miraculously survived the ordeal. Connie Ankney, Greg’s mother, attended the execution, expressing her mix of emotions and emphasizing that this moment was not about closure but justice.

The crime occurred on a fateful Sunday morning in April 1997, when the young couple, along with Ford, a coworker of Greg’s, planned a fishing trip to the remote South Florida Sod Farm. The next day, their lifeless bodies were discovered near their pickup truck, with Maranda found unharmed but covered in her mother’s blood. The investigation revealed the horrifying details: Greg was shot in the head, his throat slit, while Kimberly was sexually assaulted, brutally beaten, and shot dead. Her defensive wounds told a tale of her desperate struggle to protect her child, attempting to secure Maranda in her car seat despite her inexperience with driving a stick shift.

Connie Ankney’s world was shattered upon learning of the tragedy. Initially believing it to be a boating accident, the reality of the murders left her in disbelief. Recounting the couple’s whimsical wedding in Tennessee just six months prior, Connie reflected on the beauty of their union and the cruel fate that ended their lives. The small-town setting of Charlotte County, where such crimes were unheard of, made the event even more jarring. Connie’s journey through grief led her to find solace in the organization "Parents of Murdered Children," where she not only found support but also dedicated herself to helping others navigate similar pain.

The investigation into the murders uncovered compelling evidence against Ford. Witnesses reported his presence near the crime scene, noting his disheveled state with bloodstains, and scratches on his body the following day. Forensic evidence, including Greg’s DNA on a knife in Ford’s possession and Kimberly’s DNA in his truck, sealed his fate. Ford was convicted in 1999 of two counts of first-degree murder, sexual battery, and child abuse, receiving a death sentence. His execution, the first in Florida in 2024, brought a sense of finality to the case.

Connie Ankney’s strength and resilience shone through her advocacy work. She became a pillar of support for grieving parents, emphasizing the importance of community and faith in healing. Reflecting on her son and daughter-in-law, she cherished memories of Greg’s joy in his work and Kimberly’s dedication to their child. The execution, while providing justice, did not erase the heartache but allowed the family to find peace, knowing that Ford could no longer harm others.

In the aftermath, Connie expressed gratitude towards Governor DeSantis for signing the death warrant, acknowledging the closure it brought. Though the pain of losing her son and daughter-in-law remained, she found comfort in knowing their justice was served. Her journey from grief to advocacy stands as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and the enduring impact of love and loss.