News Summary
On March 7, 2025, South Carolina executed Brad Keith Sigmon, making history as the first execution by firing squad in the state’s modern era and the first in the U.S. since 2010. The method, controversial and debated, ignited discussions about capital punishment and ethics, as protests erupted following the execution. Sigmon’s final meal and the heinous crimes for which he was convicted added to the complexity of the narrative surrounding this significant event.
South Carolina Sees First Modern Execution by Firing Squad
In a historic event that has stirred up quite a bit of conversation, South Carolina executed Brad Keith Sigmon on March 7, 2025. This was not just any execution; it was the first by firing squad in the state’s modern history and the first in the entire United States since 2010. Sigmon was convicted for the brutal 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, and at 67 years old, he faced a fate that many had mixed feelings about.
What Happened on Execution Day?
On the day of the execution, Sigmon was strapped into a specially designed chair, a hood placed over his head to conceal his face. Three volunteer corrections employees stood ready with rifles aimed directly at his heart. Witnesses reported that the sound of the live rounds fired simultaneously was jarring. Shortly after the shots rang out, Sigmon was pronounced dead at 6:08 p.m. While some found the method to be terrifying, others debated its historical significance and moral implications.
Criticism and Controversy
The execution sparked outrage and concern, especially among those who oppose capital punishment. Sigmon’s attorney described the entire process as horrifying and violent, expressing disappointment in the state for opting for such a method. Many were left questioning the ethics of using a firing squad, and protests erupted outside the prison, with demonstrators rallying for an end to the death penalty altogether.
Final Moments and Last Meal
Sigmon did take some time in his final moments to express his views against capital punishment, mentioning a few Bible verses to convey his thoughts. In a poignant twist, he shared that he hoped fellow Christians would join him in condemning the death penalty. As for his last meal, Sigmon indulged in a feast that included fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, biscuits, cheesecake, and sweet tea. Interestingly, a request he made to share his meal with other inmates was denied.
The Crime and Aftermath
The gravity of the crimes for which Sigmon was convicted cannot be understated. He inflicted fatal injuries on Gladys and David Larke using a baseball bat, delivering multiple blows to both victims. Following these horrific acts, Sigmon attempted to kidnap his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Armstrong, who somehow managed to escape, despite being shot in the foot during the ordeal. Armstrong later voiced her belief that “death should be in God’s hands” and disagreed with the execution, emphasizing her complex feelings surrounding the process.
A Look at Firing Squads in the U.S.
Firing squad executions are a rarity in the U.S., with only a handful of states, including South Carolina, Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma, and Idaho, having legalized this method. The last execution by firing squad prior to Sigmon’s was in 2010. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1977, only three other individuals have faced this method. South Carolina has executed a total of six inmates since it reinstated capital punishment in 1976, and notably, four of those executions have taken place in just the last eight months.
Legal Challenges and Mental Health Considerations
Before his execution, Sigmon made several attempts to appeal his sentence, with his final plea being denied by the U.S. Supreme Court. The governor of South Carolina also turned down any requests for clemency. Sigmon’s attorney argued that he had battled significant mental health issues throughout his life, citing trauma and violence as part of his history. Despite spending 23 years on death row without further acts of violence, the state maintained that its execution methods are constitutional and do not violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
A Reflection on Capital Punishment
As South Carolina navigates the complexities surrounding capital punishment, the execution of Brad Sigmon has further fueled conversations about morality, justice, and the methods employed in carrying out such sentences. While some view these actions as necessary for justice, others continue to call for an end to the death penalty entirely. Only time will tell how this event will impact future discussions and legislation around executions in the state and the nation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News: South Carolina Execution by Firing Squad
- AP News: South Carolina Firing Squad Execution
- USA Today: Firing Squad Execution in South Carolina
- New York Post: South Carolina Court Denies Appeal
- SC Now: South Carolina Execution News
- Wikipedia: Capital Punishment in the United States
- Google Search: South Carolina Firing Squad Execution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Capital Punishment
- Google News: South Carolina Execution Mikal Mahdi
- Fox News: South Carolina Inmate Chooses Firing Squad
