South Carolina Inmate Selects Firing Squad for Execution Amid Controversy

A death row inmate in South Carolina has opted for execution by firing squad, becoming only the fourth individual in the United States to face this method since its reintroduction. Brad Sigmon, 67, is scheduled to be executed on March 7 and has informed state officials of his decision to reject both lethal injection and the electric chair.

Sigmon’s choice stems from his belief that recently executed inmates endured prolonged suffering during lethal injection procedures. This decision highlights ongoing concerns regarding the humaneness of execution methods in the state.

Historical Context of Firing Squad Executions

Brad Sigmon’s decision marks a significant moment in South Carolina’s history as he becomes the first inmate from the state to select a firing squad for his execution. Since 1976, only three executions by firing squad have occurred nationwide, all taking place in Utah, with the most recent execution occurring 15 years ago.

During the execution, Sigmon will be restrained to a chair with a hood over his head and a target placed over his heart. Three shooters will aim from a distance of approximately 15 feet, a setup that raises questions regarding the nature and ethics of capital punishment.

Legal Maneuvers and Challenges

Earlier this month, Sigmon’s attorneys sought to postpone his execution date as they pursued information pertaining to the last executed inmate, Marion Bowman. They questioned whether Bowman received two doses of the sedative pentobarbital during his execution on January 31. Unknown circumstances surround the status of Bowman’s autopsy report, which Sigmon’s lawyers had requested alongside further details regarding lethal injection protocols.

Despite these concerns, the state’s justices denied the request for a delay, leaving Sigmon’s legal team scrambling to explore any remaining options to save his life.

A Gruesome Crime

Sigmon was convicted for the brutal 2001 murder of his ex-girlfriend’s parents in Greenville County. Reports indicate he alternated between rooms, mercilessly attacking each victim with a baseball bat. After committing the murders, he attempted to kidnap his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint. Thankfully, she managed to escape, despite Sigmon firing at her as she fled.

In a chilling confession, Sigmon expressed his feelings of possessiveness towards his ex-girlfriend, stating, “I couldn’t have her, I wasn’t going to let anybody else have her.”

Final Appeals and the Fight for Life

Sigmon’s lawyers have initiated one last push, urging the South Carolina Supreme Court to intervene and halt his execution. They claim his trial lawyers failed to present necessary evidence of his mental illness and troubled upbringing, which may have influenced the jury’s sentencing decision.

If this final appeal fails, Sigmon may seek clemency from Governor Henry McMaster. However, history is not on his side, as no South Carolina governor has granted clemency in nearly five decades.

The Shift to Firing Squad Execution

After facing difficulties in procuring lethal injection drugs, South Carolina lawmakers approved the use of firing squads for executions. Pharmaceutical companies raised concerns about public disclosure regarding their role in supplying lethal injection drugs, leading to legislative measures that protect their identities. Despite this, the use of firing squads remains an option for condemned inmates.

Attorneys representing Sigmon noted that his decision against lethal injection was informed by concerns raised during recent executions. Witnesses reported that despite appearing unconscious shortly after the process began, the three inmates executed since South Carolina resumed the death penalty in September remained alive and strapped to gurneys for more than twenty minutes.

Sigmon chose not to select the electric chair, believing it would subject him to unbearable suffering. His attorney, Gerald “Bo” King, highlighted this dilemma in a recent statement.

The Weight of a Heart-Wrenching Decision

King articulated the impossible choice faced by Sigmon, stating, “Unless he elected lethal injection or the firing squad, he would die in South Carolina’s ancient electric chair, which would burn and cook him alive. But the alternative is just as monstrous.” Sigmon, according to King, understood that despite the violence inherent in a firing squad execution, it was the best option given the circumstances.

Skepticism Surrounding Execution Procedures

Secrecy surrounding the details of lethal injections in South Carolina contributed significantly to Sigmon’s decision. He expressed concern over the potential horrors of how lethal injections were conducted, highlighting the findings from Moore’s autopsy report, which revealed troubling details concerning the execution process.

Only one autopsy report from previous executions is publicly available. Richard Moore was executed on November 1, and his report indicated severe fluid retention in his lungs. Medical experts suggested he may have experienced the sensation of drowning during the lengthy execution.

Expectations surrounding lethal injections have become increasingly scrutinized, further complicating the ethical discourse on capital punishment in South Carolina.

A Legacy of Executions

Since the U.S. resumed the death penalty in 1976, South Carolina has carried out 46 executions, maintaining a high execution rate compared to other states. In earlier decades, the state averaged three executions annually. Only nine states have executed more individuals than South Carolina in the same timeframe. This persistent legacy continues to shape the conversation surrounding the death penalty and the various methods used in capital punishment.

This report incorporates insights from the Associated Press.