News Summary
On March 7, 2025, Columbia, South Carolina, witnessed a historic moment as Brad Keith Sigmon became the first inmate executed by firing squad in the U.S. in 15 years. Convicted of the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Sigmon spent 23 years on death row. The execution has reignited debates on capital punishment and ethical concerns regarding execution methods, particularly in light of complications with lethal injection.
Columbia, South Carolina: A Historic Execution Unfolds
In a striking turn of events, Columbia, South Carolina witnessed a significant moment in the history of capital punishment in the United States. On the evening of March 7, 2025, at 6:08 PM, Brad Keith Sigmon, age 67, became the first inmate executed by firing squad in the country in 15 long years. This execution marks a somber chapter in South Carolina’s legal history, being the very first execution by firing squad in the state during its modern era.
The Crime Behind the Controversy
Sigmon was convicted for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, Gladys Larke (59) and David Larke (62), back in 2001. The horrific crime was carried out using a baseball bat, raising eyebrows and eliciting outrage from the community. After being sentenced to death in 2002, Sigmon spent 23 years on death row, during which he faced numerous legal challenges and calls for clemency.
The Execution Experience
It was at the Broad River Correctional Institution that Sigmon met his fate. With a blindfold covering his eyes and restrained to a chair, he was marked with a target over his heart. The somber atmosphere was heavy as three volunteer prison employees, each armed with rifles, fired from a distance of about 15 feet. The procedure was witnessed by a select group, including family members of the victims, media representatives, and prison staff, all carefully separated from the execution chamber by bullet-resistant glass.
Final Meals and Statements
For his last meal, Sigmon indulged in quite a spread featuring four pieces of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, fluffy biscuits, cheesecake, and sweet tea. However, his humorous request for three buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken to share with fellow inmates was ultimately denied.
As he faced his final moments, Sigmon expressed his reluctance toward the death penalty itself, reflecting on themes of love and forgiveness as taught in the New Testament. His apparent transformation and good behavior during his time behind bars were presented by his attorneys in attempts to secure clemency. Despite these arguments, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster denied the requests, stating that justice must be served.
Legal Challenges and Mental Health Considerations
Prior to the execution, Sigmon’s legal team made an emergency motion to the U.S. Supreme Court to postpone the execution, citing issues and concerns regarding the state’s lethal injection policies. However, this plea was swiftly turned down, leaving Sigmon with limited options. His attorneys continued to advocate for him by bringing forth his struggles with severe mental illness, arguing that his state of mind played a significant role in the tragic events that unfolded.
Wider Implications of the Firing Squad
Sigmon’s execution has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding the death penalty in America. The revival of firing squads as a method of execution stems from various complications surrounding lethal injection processes, raising ethical questions and concerns about humane treatment. This serves as a reminder that the dialogue on capital punishment is far from over, as lawmakers and citizens alike grapple with complex moral dilemmas.
Moving Forward
This execution was the second in South Carolina for the year 2025, and more executions are anticipated in the near future. As the nation watches and reflects upon this pivotal moment, it becomes clear that discussions about the death penalty and its methods remain relevant and heated, prompting communities to consider what justice truly means.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Associated Press: Eyewitness Account of South Carolina Firing Squad Execution
- USA Today: South Carolina’s Firing Squad Execution of Brad Sigmon
- WSPA: Final Words Before SC Man Executed
- Washington Post: Brad Sigmon’s Firing Squad Execution
- Newsweek: Final Words of Brad Keith Sigmon Before Execution
- Wikipedia: Capital Punishment in the United States
- Google Search: South Carolina Firing Squad
- Google Scholar: Firing Squad Execution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Capital Punishment
- Google News: South Carolina Execution
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
