On March 7, 2025, South Carolina reintroduced the firing squad as a method of execution, marking the first time this approach has been used in the United States in 15 years. As an attorney deeply involved in the case of Brad Sigmon, the man subjected to this execution, I feel compelled to share the profound and harrowing experience of witnessing his final moments.
The Setting
The execution chamber, a sterile and somber room, was unveiled as the curtain parted at 6 p.m. Inside, the traditional electric chair stood beside a newly installed slanted chair, facing a black curtain. This latter chair was to be the instrument of Brad’s execution.Brad, 67, was convicted for the 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, David and Gladys Larke. Throughout his time on death row, he acknowledged his actions and expressed remorse, grappling with severe mental health issues that we argued should have warranted a reprieve.
Emotional Turmoil
Brad’s Final Moments
Strapped securely to the chair, Brad wore a black T-shirt and sweatpants—the most comfortable attire he had donned in 23 years. Despite the restraints, he managed to smile upon seeing me and his spiritual advisor. Through subtle movements and mouthing words, he conveyed messages of love and reassurance, stating, “I’m okay. I love you. I’m okay.”Before the execution commenced, I was granted the opportunity to read Brad’s final statement. He implored Christians to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, emphasizing themes of love and forgiveness. His closing prayer resonated deeply: “We are now under God’s grace and mercy.”
As the execution proceeded, I was engulfed by a torrent of emotions—anger, sorrow, and a profound sense of injustice. South Carolina, my home state, had not carried out an execution in 13 years. Yet, within a span of six months, four individuals, including Brad, faced execution. The rapid succession of these events was both shocking and deeply unsettling.
The Broader Context
Brad’s choice of execution method was influenced by concerns over the state’s lethal injection protocol, which had encountered complications in previous executions. His decision to opt for the firing squad, a method not employed since 2010, was a testament to his desire for a swift and certain end.Following Brad’s execution, another death row inmate, Mikal Mahdi, also selected the firing squad for his impending execution. Convicted for the 2004 murder of a police officer, Mahdi’s choice underscores the state’s renewed reliance on this method.
A Call for Reflection
Witnessing Brad’s execution has left an indelible mark on my conscience. It serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding capital punishment, the ethical dilemmas it presents, and the profound human stories intertwined within the justice system.As a society, we must reflect on the morality and efficacy of the death penalty. The revival of execution methods like the firing squad prompts critical questions about our values and the lengths we are willing to go in administering justice.
Conclusion
Brad Sigmon’s execution was not just a legal proceeding; it was a deeply human event that elicited a spectrum of emotions and ethical considerations. As we process this event, may we strive for a justice system that upholds human dignity, fosters healing, and encourages genuine reconciliation.
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