Why South Carolina is executing convict by firing-squad in 15yrs

Why South Carolina is executing convict by firing-squad in 15yrs
06 Mar 2025

The South Carolina Supreme Court has rejected the last appeal of convicted murderer Brad Sigmon, clearing the way for his firing squad execution on Friday.

It will be the first such execution in the US in 15 years.

Sigmon was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend's parents in 2001 and chose this method over lethal injection or electric chair amid fears of undisclosed lethal injection protocols.

Sigmon's legal team criticizes execution method, seeks clemency
Clemency appeal

Sigmon's lawyers had claimed that his original trial defense was deficient as it did not present evidence of his mental health issues.

Defense attorney Gerald "Bo" King slammed the execution method as "abjectly cruel," adding: "There is no justice here."

Sigmon's legal team will seek clemency from Governor Henry McMaster, citing Sigmon's model behavior as a prisoner.

Execution details and history of firing squads in US
Execution procedure

The execution will take place at Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, where Sigmon will be strapped into a chair. A target will be placed over his heart and a hood over his head.

Three shooters, all with live ammunition, will fire from 15 feet away.

Firing squads have been used since colonial times and during the Civil War in the US.

Only five states authorize this method under specific circumstances: Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah.

Concerns over lethal injection method in South Carolina
Lethal concerns

But recent autopsies of inmates executed by lethal injection in South Carolina found fluid in their lungs, raising concerns of suffering.

Sigmon's attorneys argue he chose firing squad to avoid what he believed would be a tortuous death by lethal injection or be cooked alive by electricity.

Sigmon, 67, is older than any of the 46 persons executed in South Carolina since the death penalty was reintroduced in 1976.

Wasn't going to let anybody else have her: Sigmon
Incident

In 2001, after murdering the couple, Sigmon grabbed his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, but she escaped from his car.

According to authorities, he shot at her while she was running but missed.

"I couldn't have her, I wasn't going to let anybody else have her," he said in a confession.

At his death penalty trial in 2002, Sigmon spoke to the jury before deliberation.

"Do I deserve to die? I probably do," he said.