On March 7, 2025, South Carolina conducted its first execution by firing squad in 15 years, marking a significant moment in the state's history.
Brad Sigmon, 67, was sentenced to death for the 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend's parents, David and Gladys Larke.
His decision to choose the firing squad over other execution methods has been a focal point of discussion.
Execution Witnessed by Veteran Reporter
Jeffrey Collins, an Associated Press reporter with over two decades of experience covering executions, was among the witnesses. He described the scene as unprecedented in his career.
Sigmon was dressed in a black jumpsuit and strapped into a chair with a target placed over his heart. Collins noted in an essay for AP, "It’s impossible to know what to expect when you’ve never seen someone shot at close range right in front of you."
Final Moments and Execution Details
According to Collins, approximately two minutes after the shooters were positioned, they fired without warning or countdown. He recounted, "And the white target with the red bullseye that had been on his chest, standing out against his black prison jumpsuit, disappeared instantly as Sigmon’s whole body flinched." A jagged red spot appeared where Sigmon was shot, and his chest moved two or three times. Outside of the rifle crack, there was no sound.
Sigmon's Choice of Execution Method
Sigmon opted for the firing squad due to concerns about the potential pain associated with other methods. He feared being 'burned and cooked alive' by the electric chair and was apprehensive about the efficacy of lethal injection drugs.
Final Statement Opposing the Death Penalty
In his last statement, Sigmon expressed his opposition to the death penalty, citing biblical scriptures to support his plea. He emphasized the transition from Old Testament to New Testament teachings, arguing against the practice of capital punishment.
Public Reaction and Controversy
The execution has sparked discussions about the ethics of capital punishment and the methods employed. Human rights activists and anti-death penalty groups have condemned South Carolina's revival of such executions, highlighting ethical concerns about making inmates choose their method of death.
Brad Sigmon's execution by firing squad has reignited debates on capital punishment in the United States. The detailed accounts from witnesses like Jeffrey Collins provide a rare glimpse into the realities of such execution methods, prompting further reflection on their use in modern times.