South Carolina Inmate Approaches Historic Execution by Firing Squad

A South Carolina death row inmate is set to be executed by firing squad on Friday, marking the first such execution in the United States in 15 years. Brad Sigmon, 67, brutally killed his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001, using a baseball bat in a crime that shocked the community.

Sigmon, who confessed to the murders after his ex-girlfriend refused to reconcile with him, will be strapped into a chair at approximately 6 p.m. Three volunteers will fire rifles from a distance of about 15 feet, targeting his heart. Each volunteer will use .308-caliber Winchester 110-grain TAP Urban ammunition, which is designed to shatter upon impact. This method aims to ensure immediate death by destroying the heart

While the execution is poised to proceed, it awaits confirmation from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Sigmon’s legal team has appealed to Governor McMaster to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment, arguing he has demonstrated significant rehabilitation while incarcerated and is remorseful for his crimes. However, historical precedent shows that no South Carolina governor has granted clemency since the state reinstated the death penalty nearly five decades ago.

Choosing the Firing Squad

In a significant decision, Sigmon opted for execution by firing squad over the electric chair, which he described as a method that would “cook him alive.” He also rejected lethal injection, a process shrouded in secrecy within South Carolina. His lawyers indicated that the lack of transparency regarding lethal injection procedures influenced his choice, even though he recognizes that the firing squad represents a violent end.

As his execution date approached, Sigmon’s attorneys filed a request with the Supreme Court to delay the execution. They argue that insufficient information regarding the lethal injection drugs compromises the humane treatment of inmates. This accountability is a critical aspect of the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment in the United States.

The Crime and its Impact

Sigmon committed the heinous murders out of rage after the victims, his ex-girlfriend’s parents, were evicted from a trailer they owned. According to investigators, Sigmon moved between separate rooms of their Greenville County residence, attacking them until both were dead. After the brutal killings, he also attempted to shoot his ex-girlfriend as she fled the scene, but he missed.

In his confession, Sigmon revealed chilling intentions. He stated, “My intention was to kill her and then myself. That was my intention all along. If I couldn’t have her, I wasn’t going to let anybody else have her.” This confession illustrates the depth of his obsession and the tragic consequences of his actions.

A Rare Method of Execution

Currently, five states in the U.S.—Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah—authorize the firing squad as a method of execution under specific circumstances. Since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, only three individuals have faced execution by firing squad, with Ronnie Gardner being the last in Utah in 2010. This rarity has contributed to a growing conversation about the methods used in capital punishment.

Executions in South Carolina resumed in September after a 13-year hiatus. The pause was primarily driven by the state’s challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs, as pharmaceutical companies have become increasingly reluctant to supply these substances due to concerns over public transparency. To address these issues, the state legislature passed a law allowing the concealment of lethal injection drug suppliers, enabling the continuation of capital punishment.

Current Landscape of Executions

In the past year, a total of 25 executions were carried out in the U.S., with five occurring thus far in 2025, according to data from the Death Penalty Information Center. With Sigmon’s execution on the horizon, South Carolina again finds itself at the center of the national discussion surrounding the death penalty, raising questions about ethics, legality, and the humane treatment of inmates.

Looking Ahead: A National Debate

As the execution approaches, it not only marks a significant moment for South Carolina but also reignites debates surrounding the death penalty across the nation. Advocates argue for its abolition, citing humane treatment and the potential for wrongful executions, while proponents point to its deterrent effects and justice for victims’ families. The ramifications of this case and the use of firing squads will likely continue to resonate in discussions about the future of capital punishment in America.

As the time draws near for Brad Sigmon to face the firing squad, observers will keenly watch the events unfold, assessing not only the implications for the individual involved but also the broader impact on the justice system and societal values regarding capital punishment.