South Carolina Death Row Inmate Seeks Execution Delay Amid Autopsy Report Concerns

A South Carolina death row inmate is requesting a postponement of his upcoming execution, citing the absence of an autopsy report from the state’s recent execution. This request marks another attempt by Brad Sigmon, 67, who is scheduled to face execution on March 7.

Earlier this month, the state Supreme Court denied a similar plea from Sigmon. However, his attorneys contend that time is now of the essence. They must make a crucial decision about his execution method before the February 21 deadline. Sigmon has the option to choose lethal injection, a firing squad, or the electric chair.

The Crime That Led to Condemnation

Sigmon’s conviction stems from a brutal double homicide that occurred in 2001. He killed his ex-girlfriend’s parents in their Greenville County home using a baseball bat. The gruesome nature of the crime involved him moving between separate rooms to carry out the murders.

After the murders, Sigmon attempted to abduct his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint. In a daring escape, she managed to flee, even as he fired shots at her but did not hit her.

In his confession, Sigmon expressed his dark motivations, saying, ‘I couldn’t have her, I wasn’t going to let anybody else have her.’

Choosing an Execution Method

If he fails to select a method for his execution, the state will proceed with the electric chair, a method Sigmon wishes to avoid. His legal team has stated that he plans to make his selection next week, weighing between lethal injection and firing squad.

Concerns about lethal injection loom large in Sigmon’s mind. Those who witnessed the three prior executions reported that, despite inmates appearing unresponsive within minutes, they remained alive for an extended period. This has raised fears about the humanity and efficacy of the lethal injection protocol.

The Urgency of Autopsy Reports

So far, only one of the recent execution autopsy reports has been made available. Richard Moore was executed on November 1, where he received two doses of the anesthetic pentobarbital. A defense expert suggested that the fluid in Moore’s lungs may have caused a sensation similar to drowning.

Another anesthesiologist, hired to review Moore’s case for the state, disagreed. He asserted that fluid commonly appears in the lungs following lethal injections and maintained that there was no evidence suggesting Moore remained conscious long after the sedation began.

Secrecy Surrounding Execution Protocols

South Carolina correction officials have kept details about Moore’s execution process secret. They did not clarify why he required a second dose or if such a procedure is standard. A recent state law protects the identities of lethal injection drug suppliers, as well as the specifics of the execution methods.

The state Corrections Director, Bryan Stirling, has confirmed under oath that lethal injection is ready for use through a single pentobarbital dose. However, concerns remain regarding how this method will be applied in future executions.

Awaiting Results from Previous Executions

Sigmon’s legal team is also keen to examine the autopsy report related to Marion Bowman, executed on January 31. Notably, there was no autopsy performed for Freddie Owens, who was executed in September due to his religious beliefs as a Muslim.

In addition to autopsy information, Sigmon’s lawyers seek further details about the drugs used in lethal injections. Previous requests for this information met with rejection.

Historical Context of Executions in South Carolina

South Carolina has not always adhered to such strict procedures. The state used to be one of the most prolific in terms of executions, carrying out an average of three per year during the early 2000s. However, executions ceased for 13 years following challenges in securing lethal injection drugs.

In September, the state resumed executions, having passed legislation to keep drug suppliers’ identities confidential, aiming to alleviate the challenges previously encountered.

Additionally, the state Supreme Court has established a protocol for scheduling executions with a minimum interval of five weeks. Nevertheless, Sigmon’s lawyers advocate for extending that timeframe to 13 weeks. They argue this allows adequate time for them to review autopsy reports and prepare appropriately.

The Path Forward

Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976, South Carolina has executed 46 inmates, placing it among the states with the highest number of executions. As discussions about the ethics and procedures surrounding capital punishment continue, Sigmon’s case highlights the complexities and urgent concerns involved in the current execution landscape.

As this situation develops, the legal team represents a broader dialogue about the death penalty, transparency in execution processes, and the significance of understanding the implications of such irreversible actions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.