Brad Sigmon: South Carolina’s First Firing Squad Execution in 15 Years

COLUMBIA, S.C. – After 15 years without executions via firing squad in the United States, death row inmate Brad Sigmon is scheduled to face execution in South Carolina on Friday. This decision may still be altered if either the state’s governor or the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes for a last-minute reprieve.

Background of the Crime

In 2001, Brad Sigmon, now 67 years old, confessed to the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents using a baseball bat. His actions were reportedly fueled by rage after his former partner rejected his attempts at reconciliation and led to his eviction from a trailer owned by the victims. The attack unfolded in their home in Greenville County, where he moved between rooms, ultimately killing both individuals.

Following the murders, Sigmon attempted to kidnap his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint. During the ordeal, she managed to escape his grasp despite him firing a shot in her direction, as detailed by prosecutors. In his confession, Sigmon stated, “My intention was to kill her and then myself… If I couldn’t have her, I wasn’t going to let anybody else have her.”

Choosing the Firing Squad

For his execution, Sigmon has opted for the firing squad over other methods offered by the state, explaining that he found lethal injection and electrocution to be less humane. His legal representatives have argued against the state’s lethal injection protocol, citing concerns over its transparency and possible complications that could lead to a painful death.

Execution Procedure

Scheduled for just after 6 p.m. ET at Broad River Correctional Institute, Sigmon’s execution will proceed in a controlled environment. He will be escorted to the death chamber, strapped into a chair, and a target placed over his heart. Potentially, he will have the opportunity to speak his final words before a hood is placed over his head.

Witnesses, including family members of the victims and select members of the media, will observe the execution through bullet-resistant glass. Three volunteers equipped with rifles positioned approximately 15 feet away will aim for the target and fire simultaneously, using specially designed bullets intended to maximally damage the heart.

Death is anticipated to occur almost instantaneously, with the entire process expected to last no longer than five minutes, significantly less time compared to lethal injection protocols.

Historical Context

The method of execution via firing squad has a complicated history in the United States, with its roots tracing back centuries. Though it has been infrequently used in recent decades, at least 144 civilian prisoners have faced firing squads in the U.S. since 1608, primarily in Utah. The last such execution was that of Ronnie Gardner in Utah in 2010.

Advocates for the death penalty have presented executing by firing squad as a potentially more humane alternative compared to other methods that have resulted in botched procedures, disfigurement, or prolonged suffering.

Final Appeals and Clemency Requests

With his execution drawing near, Sigmon has made a final plea for clemency, asking South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to convert his death sentence to life in prison. His attorneys argue that he has demonstrated positive behavior over the years and has been a model inmate, actively seeking to atone for his past actions.

Should the Supreme Court not intervene, Sigmon’s last moments will occur in the presence of the warden and state officials who will confirm the absence of any outstanding appeals just prior to the execution.

Concluding Thoughts

As the execution date approaches, the implications of Brad Sigmon’s case resonate not only within legal circles but also amongst those who hold varying beliefs about capital punishment and the methodologies involved. This situation continues to spark debates surrounding ethics, human rights, and the administration of justice in America.

The Source: This article incorporates information from the Associated Press, along with historical data from the Death Penalty Information Center and the South Carolina Department of Corrections.