Fri Feb 21 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## South Carolina Inmate Chooses Firing Squad Execution, First in 15 Years
**Columbia, SC** – Brad Sigmon, 67, a South Carolina death row inmate convicted of the 2001 bludgeoning deaths of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, has opted for execution by firing squad, marking the first such execution in the U.S. in 15 years. His execution is scheduled for March 7th.
Sigmon’s decision follows concerns about the state’s lethal injection process, which has reportedly resulted in prolonged suffering for recently executed inmates. His attorney, Gerald “Bo” King, cited the prolonged deaths of three other inmates executed since September, all of whom remained alive and conscious for over 20 minutes after lethal injection began. He stated that while the firing squad method is also violent, Sigmon believes it offers a quicker, less agonizing end.
The state’s new firing squad protocol, implemented after difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs, involves three volunteer shooters firing at the inmate through a small opening. The execution chamber has been modified to accommodate this method.
Sigmon’s legal team previously requested a delay to review the autopsy report of Marion Bowman Jr., executed on January 31st, to assess if his lethal injection involved irregularities. However, this request was denied. They are pursuing a final appeal, arguing Sigmon’s trial lawyers were ineffective, and have also asked Governor Henry McMaster for clemency. However, no South Carolina governor has granted clemency in nearly 50 years.
Sigmon’s case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment and the methods used for its implementation. The state’s switch to a firing squad underscores the challenges faced by states in securing lethal injection drugs and the resulting scrutiny over execution procedures.
First Piper 