by Panama City, Florida – A Florida man sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl took matters into his own hands last week, committing suicide while awaiting execution, officials confirmed. Matthew Caylor, 50, had been on Death Row for 16 years for the 2008 killing of Melinda Hinson.
State Attorney Larry Basford remarked that Caylor’s death effectively did the state a “favor,” saving taxpayers a significant amount of money that would have been spent on carrying out the execution.
“Matthew Caylor was a sexual predator that had violated his parole in Georgia and came down here for a last hurrah in Bay County,” Basford said. “After a trial and numerous appeals, he knew he was facing the same inevitable fate. By committing suicide, he saved the taxpayers of Florida a lot of money.”
The Crime
The brutal incident occurred in 2008 while Caylor was on the run after molesting a 14-year-old girl in Georgia. Caylor had been living in a motel room in Panama City, selling drugs while in hiding. Melinda Hinson, who also resided at the motel with her family, stopped by Caylor’s room one day to ask for a cigarette.
Court documents indicate that Caylor saw an opportunity for criminal gain and reportedly said, “[I]f I’m going to be in trouble for having sex with this girl being in my room, I might as well have sex with this girl.”
Melinda resisted, and the two ended up rolling off the bed and over a telephone. Caylor then strangled the struggling teenager with a telephone cord, killing her instantly. He concealed her body between the mattress and the bed frame, where motel cleaners discovered it two days later.
Legal Proceedings
According to NY Post, Caylor was eventually captured, tried, and sentenced to death for his crimes. Despite multiple attempts to avoid execution through the courts, including a series of appeals over 16 years, he remained on Florida’s Death Row.
Authorities have not disclosed the method of his suicide, though it effectively circumvented the state’s lengthy execution process.
Death Row Costs
Caylor’s death drew attention to the financial impact of executions on taxpayers. In Florida, executions are costly due to lengthy appeals, legal proceedings, and procedural safeguards. According to historical data reported by the Palm Street Post, each execution in 2000 cost roughly $24 million when using the electric chair.
At that time, Florida had executed 44 inmates. Since then, 72 more prisoners have been executed, including 10 in 2025, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. The current Death Row population still exceeds 250 inmates, many awaiting appeals or scheduling of executions.
Context and Recent Executions
Caylor’s suicide occurred just before another high-profile execution. Kayle Bates, another Florida Death Row inmate, was executed Tuesday for the abduction and murder of a woman from a Florida Panhandle insurance office. The state’s execution procedures remain under scrutiny for both financial and ethical reasons, particularly with the rising number of inmates awaiting the death penalty.
Executions in Florida vary in cost depending on the method and legal procedures, but experts note that the overall expense has increased over time due to extended legal appeals and additional safety measures required during the execution process.
Read Also: Texas Mom Sentenced After Baby Starved to Death in Waco Hotel Room Filled with Drugs and Weapons
Community and Official Reactions
State officials emphasized the tragic nature of Caylor’s crimes while noting the financial implications of carrying out death sentences. Basford called Caylor a sexual predator and highlighted the relief to taxpayers due to the avoidance of additional execution expenses.
The case also underscores ongoing debates around capital punishment in Florida, where many argue that long delays and costs question the practicality of the Death Row system. Families of victims and advocacy groups continue to weigh in on the emotional toll and financial burdens associated with extended death penalty cases.
Summary
- Victim: Melinda Hinson, 13
- Perpetrator: Matthew Caylor, 50
- Crime: Rape and murder, 2008, Panama City, Florida
- Death Row Duration: 16 years
- Outcome: Suicide before execution
- Implications: Avoided execution costs, highlighted lengthy appeals process
- Death Row Population: Over 250 inmates currently awaiting execution
Caylor’s case serves as a chilling reminder of the impact of violent crime and the complexities surrounding the death penalty in Florida. It also highlights the financial and ethical debates associated with long-term Death Row cases and repeated appeals.
What are your thoughts on this case and Florida’s Death Row system? Comment below at ibwhsmag.com and join the discussion on the cost, ethics, and impact of capital punishment.
