Historic Execution in Columbia, South Carolina

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News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina, witnessed a significant event on March 7, 2025, as Brad Sigmon was executed by firing squad—the first use of this method in the U.S. in 15 years. Sigmon’s execution raises ongoing debates about capital punishment in America, highlighting issues of ethics and legality amidst a controversial past involving brutal crimes. Despite an appeal for clemency, Sigmon faced execution after 23 years on death row. This event marks a significant moment in the discourse surrounding executions in South Carolina, which has resumed carrying out death sentences after a long hiatus.

Columbia, South Carolina: A Historic and Controversial Execution

Columbia, South Carolina, made headlines on March 7, 2025, as Brad Sigmon, aged 67, was executed by firing squad. This event marks the first use of a firing squad for an execution in the United States in a whopping 15 years, having last been carried out in 2010. It’s a reminder that capital punishment remains a polarizing issue in American society.

The Details of the Execution

Sigmon was pronounced dead at precisely 6:08 p.m. after three volunteer prison workers fired at him from roughly 15 feet away at 6:05 p.m. During the execution process, a target was affixed to his chest, and he was blindfolded and securely strapped to a chair. This method has drawn plenty of attention, and it’s important to note that the executioners used rifles loaded with .308 Winchester TAP Urban bullets designed for instant death.

Witnesses to the execution included family members of the victims, representatives from the prosecuting attorney’s office, a member of the media in South Carolina, and Sigmon’s spiritual advisor, all separated by bullet-resistant glass. Although a dozen witnesses could listen to the execution unfold, they were unable to actually see the event take place.

A Dark Past

Brad Sigmon’s path to this point has been deeply troubling. Back in 2001, he confessed to the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Gladys Larke, 59, and David Larke, 62, using a baseball bat after they evicted him from their property. His actions didn’t stop there; he also attempted to kidnap his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Armstrong, right after the murders, although she managed to escape. Sigmon was sentenced to death in 2002 and spent an impressive 23 years on death row.

Choosing the Method of Execution

In a somewhat refreshing twist in the narrative, Sigmon chose the firing squad as his execution method, despite the availability of lethal injection and the electric chair. He expressed fears regarding these other methods, leading him to select the firing squad instead.

For his last meal, Sigmon picked a hearty combination: fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, biscuits, cheesecake, and sweet tea. Interestingly, his request for three buckets of KFC was turned down. This might bring some distraction to the grim circumstances surrounding him, but it also throws light on the system’s personal touch even in such grim moments.

Legal Maneuvers and Controversies

Despite efforts from Sigmon’s attorney to secure clemency—highlighting his status as a model prisoner and his struggles with severe mental illness during the time of his crimes—South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster denied the request. The U.S. Supreme Court also did not grant an emergency motion to stay the execution, dismissing concerns regarding South Carolina’s lethal injection policies.

In his final moments, Sigmon prepared a statement imploring an end to the death penalty. He also expressed religious sentiments and cited Biblical passages to support his views, specifically arguing that there’s no authorization for capital punishment in the New Testament. This addition layers yet another dimension of controversy in a debate that fluctuates between ethics and morality.

Context of Executions in South Carolina

The execution of Sigmon was significant—it’s not just an isolated event. South Carolina has resumed carrying out executions since September 2024 after a lengthy gap of 13 years, primarily due to difficulties in acquiring lethal injection drugs. Currently, there are 28 inmates on death row in the state, with plans to execute individuals approximately every five weeks. It’s noted that South Carolina is one of just five states allowing firing squads under certain circumstances, highlighting the limited options for capital punishment currently available in the U.S.

Brad Sigmon’s execution thus sets a sobering milestone in the ongoing dialogue around capital punishment in America, merging legal, ethical, and personal dimensions into a story that resonates with many.