Leon County Woman Scheduled for Execution After Years on Death Row
By Emily L. Bennett
Staff Writer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — May 25, 2024
State officials have announced that Anna Wilhelm, 32, is scheduled to be executed by electrocution on August 24, 2024, at Rockville Penitentiary, concluding a criminal case that has drawn public attention since her conviction two years ago.
Wilhelm was sentenced to death in 2022 after being found guilty of the premeditated murder of her former boyfriend, Jacob Miles, during what prosecutors described as a carefully planned attack at his Leon County residence.
According to court testimony, Wilhelm traveled to Miles' home under the pretense of discussing their deteriorating relationship before a violent confrontation turned fatal. Investigators testified that forensic evidence recovered from the scene, combined with surveillance footage and cellphone records, placed Wilhelm at the residence during the time of the killing.
The prosecution argued that the attack was motivated by months of escalating resentment following the couple's separation. Jurors heard testimony from friends and family members describing repeated disputes and threatening messages exchanged in the weeks leading up to the crime.
Following a three-week trial, a Leon County jury unanimously convicted Wilhelm of first-degree murder and recommended a sentence of death. The trial judge formally imposed the sentence later that year.
Since arriving on death row at Rockville Penitentiary, Wilhelm has pursued multiple appeals through both state and federal courts. Attorneys argued that procedural errors during the trial warranted a new sentencing hearing, but each appeal was ultimately denied.
Earlier this month, the Governor signed Wilhelm's death warrant, setting the execution for the evening of August 24. Unless a court grants a last-minute stay or executive clemency is issued, the sentence will be carried out using Florida's authorized method of electrocution.
Officials with the Florida Department of Corrections said preparations are underway at Rockville Penitentiary, where security measures and execution protocols are being reviewed in accordance with department policy.
Wilhelm remains housed in the prison's death row unit while her legal team continues to pursue any remaining options for relief before the scheduled execution date.
Family members of the victim released a brief statement Friday saying they hope the conclusion of the case will provide "a measure of peace after years of waiting."
The Florida Department of Corrections has not announced whether any additional media access will be granted before the execution. Unless delayed by court action, Wilhelm is expected to become the first inmate executed at Rockville Penitentiary in more than a decade.