News Summary

Brad Sigmon, a death row inmate in South Carolina, has opted for execution by firing squad, scheduled for March 7, 2025. This decision marks a historical moment as it’s the first firing squad execution in over 15 years in the U.S., and Sigmon becomes the first in South Carolina to choose this method over lethal injection. His choice stems from concerns about the painful ramifications of lethal injection. Despite his brutal past, he has shown exemplary behavior in prison, raising discussions about execution methods and capital punishment in modern America.

Brad Sigmon Chooses Firing Squad for Execution in South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina – Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate on death row, has made a significant decision regarding his upcoming execution—he has opted for the firing squad, set to take place on March 7, 2025. This marks a notable moment in the history of capital punishment in the United States, as it will be the first use of this method in over 15 years.

A Bold Choice

Sigmon’s choice is particularly remarkable as he will become the first inmate in South Carolina to select the firing squad over more traditional methods, including lethal injection or the electric chair. In fact, Sigmon expressed deep concerns about lethal injection, calling it a method that could “burn and cook him alive.” This stark choice reflects his fears regarding the tendency for lethal injections to go awry, leading to prolonged and painful deaths for some inmates.

A Historical Context

Historically, firing squads have a long-standing place in the annals of American execution methods. Since 1976, only three inmates across the U.S. have been executed by firing squad, all of those cases occurring in Utah, with the most recent execution taking place in 2010. This method is typically more straightforward and is believed by some experts to lead to a quicker and potentially less painful demise when compared to the increasingly problematic lethal injection.

Execution Details

For Sigmon’s execution, he will be securely strapped to a chair, have a hood placed over his head, and a target marked on his heart. Three volunteers will stand approximately 15 feet away to carry out the execution. Additionally, safety measures will be in place for witnesses, including bulletproof glass to provide a buffer between the observers and the execution.

Legal Struggles and Delays

In the lead-up to his execution date, Sigmon’s attorney, Gerald “Bo” King, sought to delay the execution in order to gather more information regarding the execution of another inmate, Marion Bowman. They specifically requested details about the drug protocol used during Bowman’s execution and his autopsy report. However, this request was denied, leaving questions about whether Sigmon’s legal team obtained the necessary legal documentation.

A Complex Case

Sigmon was convicted back in 2001 for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents in Greenville County, committing the heinous acts in separate rooms with a baseball bat. He also kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, but she managed to escape without physical harm. Despite his brutal past, Sigmon has been described as a model prisoner, earning the trust of guards and participating in behavior that his lawyers argue merits clemency due to his mental health and efforts to seek atonement.

The State of Execution Methods

South Carolina has faced difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs, which led to the reinstatement of the firing squad as a possible execution method. In 2022, the state invested approximately $54,000 to establish a firing squad area within its death chamber. Recent legislation aims to ensure the confidentiality of the sources of execution drugs, which makes the option of using a firing squad more appealing as a practical solution for fulfilling capital sentences.

Looking Ahead

As the date of his execution approaches, all eyes will be on Sigmon and the response from Governor Henry McMaster. Sigmon’s last chance for mercy may hinge on a request to commute his sentence to life without parole. The choice of execution method not only brings attention to Sigmon’s case but also reflects a broader conversation about the complexities and challenges surrounding capital punishment in the modern era.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AP News: Brad Sigmon Chooses Firing Squad
• Post and Courier: Rare Firing Squad Execution
• CNN: South Carolina Execution by Firing Squad
• New York Times: Firing Squad Execution in South Carolina
• Wikipedia: Execution by Firing Squad