South Carolina Marks Historic Execution by Firing Squad

News Summary

On March 7, 2025, South Carolina witnessed a significant moment in capital punishment history as Brad Keith Sigmon was executed by firing squad, marking the first such execution in the U.S. in nearly 15 years. Sigmon, convicted of a double murder in 2002, chose this method over lethal injection due to concerns regarding the drugs’ efficacy. The execution has sparked renewed debates on the death penalty and calls for greater transparency in execution methods, as witnesses remarked on the stark nature of the process.

Columbia, South Carolina: A Historic Night Unfolds

In a moment that will surely echo through time, South Carolina marked a significant milestone in its history on March 7, 2025. At exactly 6:08 p.m., Brad Keith Sigmon, aged 67, became the first person to be executed by firing squad in the state, and notably, the first such execution in the U.S. in almost 15 years. The execution took place at the Broad River Correctional Institution, and it was accompanied by a palpable air of somber reflection.

The Crimes that Shook a Community

Sigmon’s road to the firing squad began in 2002 when he was convicted for the 2001 double murder of David and Gladys Larke, who were tragically killed by being beaten to death with a baseball bat. Even more shocking, Sigmon, in an attempt to escape justice after the murders, kidnapped his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Barbare, at gunpoint, leading to her sustaining a gunshot wound during the desperate attack. These heinous acts left a lasting scar on the community, which turned to the justice system for accountability.

Choosing the Firing Squad

Interestingly, Sigmon made the choice of execution method himself, opting for the firing squad over traditional lethal injection. His reasoning revolved around skepticism regarding the effectiveness and reliability of the lethal injection drugs used by the state. He raised concerns that the drugs might have been expired or improperly stored, compelling him to take this controversial route.

The Execution Details

On the fateful night, a trio of volunteer prison employees, armed with rifles loaded with live ammunition, formed the firing squad. As the clock ticked closer to the moment of execution, Sigmon’s final words were conveyed through his attorney. These words carried a powerful message about love and forgiveness, even as he faced the ultimate consequence for his actions.

Supreme Court Denies Stay

In the days leading up to the execution, Sigmon made a clemency plea, which was decisively rejected by South Carolina’s Governor, Henry McMaster. Furthermore, the Supreme Court refused to grant a stay of execution, sealing Sigmon’s fate. It is worth noting that the method of execution had been reinstated in South Carolina following new legislation passed in 2021, which aimed to address the increasing difficulties the state faced in obtaining lethal injection drugs.

A Call for Change

While some acknowledge the important role capital punishment plays in society, many anti-death penalty advocates criticized this method as barbaric. They expressed their fears that this form of execution highlights the violent nature of capital punishment, contrasting sharply with the supposedly more humane approach of lethal injection. This shift has prompted increased calls for transparency in the state’s lethal injection drug protocols, igniting a debate about the future of the death penalty.

Reflections and Witnesses

Witnesses to the execution included members of the press and others, many of whom described the atmosphere as distinctly different compared to previous lethal injections they had observed. The stark, direct nature of the firing squad left a lasting impression on those present. Advocates for alternatives to the death penalty argue that Sigmon’s time on death row, during which he expressed remorse and seemingly transformed his life, warranted a second chance at mercy.

Last Moments and Farewell

Just as poignant as the night itself was Sigmon’s choice for his last meal—a hearty three buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken, which he shared with fellow inmates before the finality of the evening. As the world reflects on this historic execution, many are left wondering, what lies next for the future of capital punishment in America?

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• CNN
• Wikipedia: Capital Punishment in the United States
• BBC News
• USA Today
• AP News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Death Penalty
• Fox Carolina
• Google Search: Brad Keith Sigmon
• Washington Post
• Google News: Firing Squad Execution South Carolina