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Historic Execution by Firing Squad in South Carolina

News Summary

On March 7, 2025, Columbia, South Carolina, witnessed a historic moment as Brad Keith Sigmon became the first inmate executed by firing squad in the U.S. in 15 years. Convicted of the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Sigmon spent 23 years on death row. The execution has reignited debates on capital punishment and ethical concerns regarding execution methods, particularly in light of complications with lethal injection.

Columbia, South Carolina: A Historic Execution Unfolds

In a striking turn of events, Columbia, South Carolina witnessed a significant moment in the history of capital punishment in the United States. On the evening of March 7, 2025, at 6:08 PM, Brad Keith Sigmon, age 67, became the first inmate executed by firing squad in the country in 15 long years. This execution marks a somber chapter in South Carolina’s legal history, being the very first execution by firing squad in the state during its modern era.

The Crime Behind the Controversy

Sigmon was convicted for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Gladys Larke (59) and David Larke (62), back in 2001. The horrific crime was carried out using a baseball bat, raising eyebrows and eliciting outrage from the community. After being sentenced to death in 2002, Sigmon spent 23 years on death row, during which he faced numerous legal challenges and calls for clemency.

The Execution Experience

It was at the Broad River Correctional Institution that Sigmon met his fate. With a blindfold covering his eyes and restrained to a chair, he was marked with a target over his heart. The somber atmosphere was heavy as three volunteer prison employees, each armed with rifles, fired from a distance of about 15 feet. The procedure was witnessed by a select group, including family members of the victims, media representatives, and prison staff, all carefully separated from the execution chamber by bullet-resistant glass.

Final Meals and Statements

For his last meal, Sigmon indulged in quite a spread featuring four pieces of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, fluffy biscuits, cheesecake, and sweet tea. However, his humorous request for three buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken to share with fellow inmates was ultimately denied.

As he faced his final moments, Sigmon expressed his reluctance toward the death penalty itself, reflecting on themes of love and forgiveness as taught in the New Testament. His apparent transformation and good behavior during his time behind bars were presented by his attorneys in attempts to secure clemency. Despite these arguments, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster denied the requests, stating that justice must be served.

Legal Challenges and Mental Health Considerations

Prior to the execution, Sigmon’s legal team made an emergency motion to the U.S. Supreme Court to postpone the execution, citing issues and concerns regarding the state’s lethal injection policies. However, this plea was swiftly turned down, leaving Sigmon with limited options. His attorneys continued to advocate for him by bringing forth his struggles with severe mental illness, arguing that his state of mind played a significant role in the tragic events that unfolded.

Wider Implications of the Firing Squad

Sigmon’s execution has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding the death penalty in America. The revival of firing squads as a method of execution stems from various complications surrounding lethal injection processes, raising ethical questions and concerns about humane treatment. This serves as a reminder that the dialogue on capital punishment is far from over, as lawmakers and citizens alike grapple with complex moral dilemmas.

Moving Forward

This execution was the second in South Carolina for the year 2025, and more executions are anticipated in the near future. As the nation watches and reflects upon this pivotal moment, it becomes clear that discussions about the death penalty and its methods remain relevant and heated, prompting communities to consider what justice truly means.