Death row inmate chooses execution method that hasn’t been used in 15 years

Brad Sigmon and the Resurgence of Firing Squad Executions in the U.S.

Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate on South Carolina’s death row, has made a historic decision to face execution by firing squad, marking the first such execution in the United States in 15 years. Scheduled to take place on March 7, Sigmon’s choice underscores the controversial nature of capital punishment and the alternatives available to inmates in states like South Carolina. This method of execution, once considered antiquated, has resurfaced due to the state’s struggles in obtaining lethal injection drugs, reigniting debates about the ethics and humanity of capital punishment.

A Grim Choice: Firing Squad Over Lethal Injection and the Electric Chair

Sigmon’s decision to opt for the firing squad was not taken lightly. His legal team highlighted the brutal nature of both lethal injection and the electric chair, with Sigmon expressing particular horror at the electric chair, which he believed would "burn and cook him alive." However, lethal injection presented its own set of terrifying possibilities. In recent executions in South Carolina, inmates subjected to lethal injection reportedly remained alive for over 20 minutes, a prolonged and painful death that Sigmon wished to avoid. Despite acknowledging the violent nature of the firing squad, Sigmon’s lawyers argued that it represented the lesser of evils in a system they described as "unnecessarily secretive and inhumane."

The Tragic Crime and Troubled Past of Brad Sigmon

Brad Sigmon’s path to death row began over two decades ago when he was convicted of the brutal 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents. The crime, carried out with a baseball bat, was both savage and methodical, with Sigmon moving between rooms to ensure the victims’ demise. He then kidnapped his ex-girlfriend, though she managed to escape. In his confession, Sigmon revealed a chilling motive: "I couldn’t have her, I wasn’t going to let anybody else have her." This statement, coupled with the heinous nature of the crime, cemented his fate in the eyes of the law. Sigmon’s lawyers, however, have long argued that his actions were the result of severe mental illness and a troubled childhood, factors they believe were not adequately presented during his trial.

South Carolina’s Execution Methods: A System in Flux

South Carolina’s execution protocols have evolved in response to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs, a problem faced by many states. In 2022, the state invested $54,000 in constructing a firing squad area within its death chamber, complete with bulletproof glass, a chair for the inmate, and a wall to shield the shooters. This method, last used in the U.S. in 2010, involves strapping the inmate to a chair, hooding them, and placing a target over their heart. Three volunteer shooters will fire from a distance of 15 feet. While witnesses will see the inmate’s profile, they will not view the firing squad directly. The state’s turn to the firing squad is a stark reminder of the difficulties surrounding modern capital punishment.

Legal and Ethical Battles: Sigmon’s Final Appeal

As Sigmon’s execution date looms, his legal team has mounted a last-ditch effort to spare his life. They have petitioned the state Supreme Court to halt the execution, arguing that Sigmon’s trial lawyers were inexperienced and failed to adequately present mitigating factors, such as his mental health struggles and tumultuous upbringing. Additionally, they have requested clemency from Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, emphasizing Sigmon’s record as a model prisoner who has worked to atone for his crimes. Sigmon’s lawyers argue that executing him would undermine the concept of redemption and send a message that South Carolina refuses to recognize the possibility of rehabilitation, even for a man who has spent decades reflecting on his actions.

The Broader Implications: Capital Punishment in America

Brad Sigmon’s case draws attention to the fraught landscape of capital punishment in the United States. South Carolina’s revival of the firing squad as a method of execution raises significant ethical questions about the humanity and constitutionality of state-sanctioned killing. The secrecy surrounding execution methods, particularly the use of lethal injection drugs, has led to legal challenges and public outcry. As debates over capital punishment continue, Sigmon’s story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and moral dilemmas inherent in the system. Whether through firing squad, lethal injection, or the electric chair, the death penalty remains a divisive issue, challenging society to confront its values and the meaning of justice.