Historic Execution by Firing Squad in South Carolina

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina witnessed its first execution by firing squad in 15 years on Friday, marking a significant event in America’s capital punishment history. Brad Sigmon, convicted of brutal murders in 2001, faced the firing squad at Broad River Correctional Institution. Despite legal battles and mental health concerns raised by his defense team, Sigmon’s execution proceeded, stirring ongoing debates around the death penalty and its moral implications. His case highlights the complex issues surrounding justice, forgiveness, and the future of capital punishment in the U.S.

Columbia, South Carolina – A Historic Execution

On Friday evening, a significant event unfolded at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. For the first time in 15 years, the United States witnessed an execution by firing squad, a method that had not been used since 2010. The man at the center of this execution was 67-year-old Brad Sigmon, who had been convicted for the heinous murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001.

The Alarming Crime

Sigmon brutally ended the lives of Gladys, 59, and David Larke, 62, using a baseball bat—a method of murder that shocked the community and echoed through the years. The tragedy unfolded after his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Armstrong, rejected him. This violent outburst not only defined Sigmon’s fate but had a lasting impact on Armstrong and her family.

The Execution Details

Sigmon’s execution took place at precisely 6:05 p.m., when three volunteer prison employees fired their rifles at a target placed over his heart. The somber atmosphere was palpable, with a dozen witnesses from the media and family members standing behind bullet-resistant glass to observe the event. They described an environment filled with tension and sadness, shuddering at the moment the shots rang out. Sigmon was pronounced dead just three minutes later, at 6:08 p.m.

Legal Battles and Mental Health Concern

Before his execution, the Supreme Court had turned down an emergency motion to stop the event, and the state governor declined an appeal for clemency. Sigmon’s defense team argued that he struggled with severe mental illness, claiming that his behavior worsened over time due to undiagnosed conditions compounded by drug use. He had spent 23 years on death row and was reportedly a model prisoner.

A Final Meal and Last Words

In his final hours, Sigmon requested a last meal comprising fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and cheesecake, along with sweet tea. Interestingly, he attempted to channel some kindness by asking for three buckets of KFC to be shared with fellow inmates, but this part of his request was denied. In his last statement, articulated through his attorney, Sigmon urged support for an end to the death penalty, citing biblical references on forgiveness and grace.

A Family Torn Apart

The emotional complexities surrounding this case extend beyond the courtroom. Rebecca Armstrong, Sigmon’s ex-girlfriend, revealed that the violence on that tragic day shattered her family. Despite the pain caused, she has publicly expressed her opposition to the death penalty and chose not to attend the execution, highlighting the ongoing moral debate surrounding capital punishment.

Firing Squad Execution in Context

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the firing squad has been used in the U.S. history. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976, three other executions by firing squad were conducted, all in Utah. In South Carolina, along with Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah, the firing squad remains an option for executing death row inmates under certain circumstances.

Moving Forward

Sigmon stood out as the oldest person executed in South Carolina, a reminder of the complex and often controversial nature of capital punishment. His story encapsulates not just a violent crime but the broader issues of mental health, forgiveness, and societal views on justice and mercy.

As South Carolina resumes carrying out death sentences after a break, the state continues to face challenges regarding the availability of drugs for lethal injections. The methods of execution may evolve, but the discussions surrounding morality, justice, and human rights remain deeply ingrained in the American conscience.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The New York Times: South Carolina’s Firing Squad Execution
• Corrections1: South Carolina Carries Out Firing Squad Execution
• USA Today: Firing Squad Execution of Brad Sigmon
• AP News: South Carolina Firing Squad Execution
• CNN: South Carolina Executes Brad Sigmon by Firing Squad
• Wikipedia: Firing Squad
• Google Search: Brad Sigmon Firing Squad Execution
• Google Scholar: Firing Squad History in the US
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Firing Squad
• Google News: Firing Squad Execution 2025