On March 7, 2025, South Carolina carried out the execution of Brad Keith Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate convicted of double murder, using a firing squad. This event marks the first use of this execution method in the United States since 2010.
Background of the Crime
In 2001, Sigmon was found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents, David and Gladys Larke, using a baseball bat. The brutal nature of the crime led to his conviction and subsequent death sentence.
Choice of Execution Method
Given the options of lethal injection, electrocution, or firing squad, Sigmon chose the latter, expressing concerns about the potential suffering associated with the other methods. He feared that lethal injection might result in a prolonged death and that electrocution could cause severe pain.
Execution Details
The execution took place at the Broad River Correctional Institution. Sigmon was seated and restrained in the death chamber, with a hood placed over his head and a target positioned over his heart. Three volunteer prison employees, standing 15 feet away, simultaneously fired rifles at the target. The procedure was completed within minutes, with Sigmon pronounced dead shortly after the shots were fired.
Historical Context
This execution is notable as it is only the fourth instance of a firing squad being used in the United States since 1976. The previous three occurrences all took place in Utah, with the last one in 2010. South Carolina’s decision to employ this method underscores ongoing debates about the most humane and effective means of carrying out capital punishment.
Reactions and Implications
The use of a firing squad has reignited discussions about the ethics and methods of capital punishment. Advocates argue that it provides a quicker and potentially less painful death compared to other methods that have faced scrutiny due to botched procedures. Opponents, however, view it as a regressive practice that raises moral and ethical concerns.
This event may influence other states to reconsider their execution protocols, especially in light of challenges associated with obtaining drugs for lethal injections and legal battles over execution methods. The broader implications for the future of capital punishment in the United States remain to be seen.
