South Carolina Carries Out Execution of Richard Benard Moore Amid Protests

South Carolina Executes Richard Benard Moore

Breaking News from Spartanburg, South Carolina

In the twilight moments of 6:24 pm at the Broad River Correctional Facility in Columbia, South Carolina, Richard Benard Moore, a 59-year-old man was declared dead after his execution by lethal injection. This marks him as the second person the state of South Carolina has put to death in a span of just three months.

Moore was put on death row following his conviction for the tragic shooting of James Mahoney on the 16th of September, 1999. The deed was committed at a small joint called Nikki’s Speed Mart in the city of Spartanburg. On the 20th of October, 2001, Moore was convicted by an all-white jury who passed the sentence of death two days later.

A Final Words Before Execution

Moore’s last statement, filled with remorse and gratitude, was read out by his attorney, Lindsey Vann from Justice 360.

“To the family of Mr. James Mahoney, I am deeply sorry for the pain and sorrow I caused you all,” wrote Moore, “To my children and granddaughters, I love you and I am so proud of you. Thank you for the joy you have brought to my life. To all of my friends, family, and friends, new and old, thank you for your love and support”.

A plea for clemency was presented to Gov. Henry McMaster, but it was denied, marking yet another instance of the state governor refusing executive clemency since South Carolina resumed executions in 1976.

The Execution Process

The execution process began at 6:01 p.m., a lethal dose of pentobarbital was administered into Moore’s arm. At the time of his execution, his spiritual advisor and attorney, Lindsey Vann while on their knees were beside him in prayer. At 6:02 pm, Moore closed his eyes. Shallow breathing persisted for two minutes until at 6:04 pm, breathing stopped. Finally, at 6:23 pm, a physician checked for a pulse, and a minute later, Moore was officially declared dead.

Statements Post Execution

Following Moore’s passing, spokesperson Chrysti Shain of the South Carolina Department of Corrections relayed the news to the media, asserting that the punishment carried out was in accordance with state law and orders from the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Outside the walls of the correctional facility, a crowd gathered to protest capital punishment, carrying signs and praying for Moore. Among them was Vern Garcia, who passionately expressed his views, saying if South Carolina wants to be pro-life, they have to be pro-life entirely.

In the final meals department, Moore’s last supper consisted of a medium-cooked steak, fried catfish and shrimp, scalloped potato, green peas, broccoli with cheese, sweet potato pie, German chocolate cake, and grape juice.

Moore’s execution is the second in the state in last six weeks, following the execution of Freddie “Khalil” Owens, on September 20 at the same correctional facility, marking a clear surge in the application of capital punishment in South Carolina.