Brad Sigmon, a convicted murderer on South Carolina's death row, is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on March 7, 2025. This marks the first execution by firing squad in the United States in 15 years and the first in South Carolina’s history since the state reintroduced the method due to issues obtaining lethal injection drugs.
Case Background
Sigmon, 67, was convicted in 2001 for the brutal murders of William David Larke and Gladys Gwendolyn Larke, the parents of his ex-girlfriend, in Greenville County, South Carolina.
- After his relationship with their daughter ended, Sigmon broke into their home and attacked them with a baseball bat, killing both.
- He then kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, but she managed to escape despite his attempts to shoot her.
- Sigmon was later arrested and convicted of double murder, leading to his death sentence.
Why the Firing Squad?
South Carolina has faced a shortage of lethal injection drugs for several years, prompting the state to revive the electric chair and firing squad as alternative execution methods.
- Sigmon chose the firing squad over electrocution, citing concerns over the potential suffering associated with the electric chair.
- Inmates in South Carolina are given the choice between electrocution and the firing squad when lethal injection is unavailable.
Execution Procedure
The execution will take place at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina.
- Sigmon will be seated and restrained, wearing a hood over his head.
- A target will be placed over his heart.
- Three volunteer executioners, positioned 15 feet away, will fire rifles simultaneously, aiming to cause instantaneous death by severely damaging the heart.
Legal Challenges and Appeals
Sigmon’s attorneys filed multiple appeals, challenging the execution method and arguing that it violates constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.
- His final appeal was rejected by the South Carolina Supreme Court on March 5, 2025.
- With no further legal options, the execution is set to proceed as scheduled.
Historical Context
- If carried out, this will be the first execution by firing squad in the U.S. since 2010.
- South Carolina’s use of firing squads has sparked renewed debate over capital punishment methods and whether they meet modern ethical and legal standards.
Final Thoughts
As the execution date approaches, the case has rekindled discussions about the death penalty, the availability of humane execution methods, and whether the firing squad should still be used in the modern era.