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South Carolina Man Executed by Firing Squad: A Historic Night

News Summary

In a historic execution, Brad Sigmon, 67, was put to death by firing squad in South Carolina on March 7, 2025. This marks the first execution of its kind in the U.S. since 2010, raising questions about the morality and effectiveness of the death penalty. Sigmon, convicted of brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001, chose this method over lethal injection. His last meal included comfort foods, and he called for an end to the death penalty, highlighting the ongoing debates around capital punishment in America.

South Carolina Man Executed by Firing Squad: A Historic Night

In a startling turn of events on the evening of Friday, March 7, 2025, South Carolina became the backdrop for a historic execution. At 6:05 PM, 67-year-old Brad Sigmon was executed by firing squad, marking the first such execution in the U.S. since 2010. This event sends ripples, not just through the state, but across the entire nation, as it shines a spotlight on the contentious topic of the death penalty.

A Gruesome Crime

Sigmon’s path to this grim conclusion began with terrible violence. He was convicted for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Gladys and David Larke, in 2001. The heinous act involved bludgeoning his victims to death with a baseball bat, leaving a community shattered and grieving. Fast-forward over two decades, and Sigmon’s execution underlines the severity of his crimes.

The Execution Process

The execution itself was both chilling and methodical. Strapped into a chair, Sigmon was dressed in a black jumpsuit with a hood over his head, targeted by three volunteer corrections employees armed with .308 caliber rifles. The executioners fired their weapons simultaneously from a distance of 15 feet, and within moments—just three minutes after the process began—Sigmon was pronounced dead at 6:08 PM.

Interestingly, Sigmon opted for the firing squad over lethal injection or the electric chair, citing a fear of pain associated with the latter methods. His choice reflects an intriguing aspect of the ongoing debate about the **humane nature of execution methods**. Advocates for the death penalty argue that firing squads can lead to a quicker and potentially less painful death.

Final Words and Last Meals

Before facing his fate, Sigmon shared a final meal with fellow inmates, choosing comfort foods like fried chicken, green beans, and cheesecake. In his last statement, read by his attorney, he called for an end to the death penalty and touched upon Christian teachings about forgiveness—signifying a profound transformation during his 23 years on death row.

Legal Battles and Controversy

Before the execution took place, there were attempts to delay it. Sigmon’s legal team appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that there was insufficient information regarding lethal injection drugs. However, the court denied this plea, leading to a swift conclusion of a long legal battle. The state’s supply of lethal injection drugs had been exhausted, which played a key role in allowing the return of firing squads for executions.

Public Reaction and Protests

protesters gathering to voice their opposition to the death penalty. They held signs and expressed their discontent with what they described as a cruel and outdated form of punishment. In the witness area, which had been furnished with bullet-resistant glass as a precaution, family members of the victims, media representatives, and state officials bore witness to the event, marking an end to a tragic story.

The Bigger Picture

This execution raises questions about the effectiveness and morality of the death penalty in the United States. Currently, South Carolina has 28 inmates on death row, with no clemencies granted since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Sigmon’s case highlights not only the personal tragedies involved but also the societal debates surrounding capital punishment.

As people process the repercussions of this historic event, we’re reminded of the complexities in balancing justice, morality, and the implications of state-sanctioned executions. Sigmon’s final moments reignite the discussion about the death penalty—its execution, its methods, and its future in America.