Richard Moore Faces Execution in South Carolina Amid Growing Support for Clemency

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Life on the Line: Richard Moore Faces Execution Amid Growing Clemency Support

Richard Moore, a death row inmate sentenced for the 1999 murder of a convenience store clerk, is facing execution in South Carolina on Friday at 6 p.m. EDT. In a last-minute effort to save his life, over 20 supporters have submitted a clemency petition to Governor Henry McMaster, asking for mercy.

Who is Richard Moore?

Richard Moore, 59, was convicted of killing James Mahoney during an altercation in a Spartanburg convenience store. The incident stemmed from a dispute over Moore being short 12 cents for his purchase, leading to a confrontation. Both men drew firearms, resulting in Mahoney’s death and Moore subsequently robbing the store.

What is the clemency petition?

The clemency petition, submitted on Wednesday, features signatures from unlikely advocates, including two jurors and the presiding judge from Moore’s trial, as well as a former director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections. They argue that Moore has expressed deep remorse and has since become a mentor to other inmates. The petition outlines his positive influence behind bars, suggesting that a life sentence instead of execution would allow him to help many more individuals in prison.

Where is the execution scheduled?

The execution is slated for the execution chamber at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. This facility is equipped with both an electric chair and a firing squad chair, with lethal injection being the method planned for Moore’s execution.

When is the execution taking place?

Moore’s execution is scheduled for this Friday, just two days after the clemency petition was filed. The governor has stated he will review the petition but typically announces his decision at the last moment before an execution.

Why are supporters asking for clemency?

Supporters of Moore, including former legal representatives and childhood friends, have emphasized his transformation while incarcerated. They believe that he can contribute positively to society, should he be granted life without parole instead of facing death. Moore himself has expressed regret over his actions, acknowledging the harm he caused to Mahoney’s family and wishing to make amends through positive actions in prison.

Lawyers for Moore claim that his original trial was unfair, highlighting that none of the jurors were African American despite the demographic makeup of Spartanburg County at the time. His current legal team is also attempting to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the execution until this issue can be reviewed by a lower court. Their arguments suggest that the death penalty should be reserved for the most egregious crimes, and many believe Moore’s actions do not meet that standard, as he was not armed or seeking to kill when the incident occurred.

Areas of concern within the clemency petition have garnered significant attention, particularly the impact that Moore’s execution could have on his family. His children, who maintain contact with him, argue that his presence in their lives is crucial and would only be beneficial should he be spared the death penalty.

The response to clemency efforts

Governor McMaster has publicly committed to carefully considering the petition, which is unique given that he has not granted clemency to any inmate in South Carolina since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. After Moore’s previous trial, he has not seen clemency granted to others who faced similar circumstances on death row.

As the clock ticks down toward the execution time, the fate of Richard Moore rests in the hands of the governor, with many advocating for a reconsideration of justice that could save a life.