News Summary
On April 11, 2025, South Carolina executed inmate Mikal Mahdi by firing squad, marking a controversial resurgence in the state’s use of capital punishment. Mahdi, sentenced for the 2004 murder of officer James Myers, faced a tumultuous past, including severe abuse and mental health issues. His execution follows a series of executions in South Carolina, driving public sentiment against the death penalty and stirring national debates regarding its ethics and humanity.
South Carolina Executes Inmate Mikal Mahdi by Firing Squad
Columbia, South Carolina – In a somber turn of events, South Carolina executed 41-year-old inmate Mikal Mahdi by firing squad on Friday, April 11, 2025, at precisely 6:05 p.m. This marks the second such execution in the state in just a matter of months, stirring a mix of emotions and controversy.
A Heartbreaking Past
Mikal Mahdi’s road to this fateful day began long before his heinous crime. He was sentenced to death for the 2004 ambush killing of James Myers, an off-duty public safety officer. In addition to Myers’ tragic death, Mahdi also pleaded guilty to the murder of another victim, Christopher Biggs, during other violent incidents. His childhood was riddled with complications: marked by severe physical and emotional abuse, episodes of suicidal thoughts, and time spent in solitary confinement in juvenile detention. These dark experiences paved a difficult path that many say could have led to the choices he made as an adult.
Execution Protocols and Last Moments
The execution process was conducted following strict protocols. As part of the procedure, a target was placed over Mahdi’s heart and a hood was placed over his head. Onlookers noted that Mahdi was shot three times in the heart by prison staff. Eyewitnesses reported that he cried out and groaned in the moments after being shot. Though he continued to breathe for approximately 80 seconds, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries less than four minutes later, leaving many to grapple with the implications of such an execution.
Legal Wranglings and Opposition
In the lead-up to his execution, Mahdi’s attorneys put forth arguments centered around his troubled upbringing and mental health issues, claiming he received ineffective legal representation during his trial. It is noteworthy that Mahdi’s original sentencing phase was remarkably brief, lasting only about 30 minutes and involving just two witnesses in contrast to the 28 presented by the prosecution. Unfortunately for Mahdi, appeals to halt the execution from both the South Carolina Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court were denied. Even a last-minute plea for clemency from Governor Henry McMaster was denied just minutes before the scheduled execution.
The Reinstatement of the Death Penalty
This execution is part of a troubling trend for South Carolina, which has seen a resurgence in its use of the death penalty. After a 13-year hiatus due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs, the state has moved to reinstate capital punishment. Interestingly, condemned inmates now have the option to choose between a firing squad, lethal injection, or the electric chair. Mahdi’s execution followed closely on the heels of Brad Sigmon’s firing squad execution on March 7, 2025, marking the first use of this method in the United States in over 15 years.
Public Sentiment and Activism
As news of the execution spread, anti-death penalty activists organized vigils and public demonstrations, urging the governor to reconsider his position on clemency for Mahdi. Activists pointed to his difficult upbringing and ongoing struggles with mental health as compelling reasons for a more compassionate approach. The method of execution itself, using a firing squad, has ignited debates regarding its ethics and humanity, with many referring to it as a “barbaric” practice that belongs in the past.
A Broader Context
Mahdi’s case is representative of a broader trend in South Carolina, which has conducted five executions within the past seven months. As conversations around capital punishment evolve, the future of such practices remains a hot-button topic in both state and national forums. For many, Mikal Mahdi’s story underscores the complexities of crime, punishment, and the ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty in the United States.
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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.
