South Carolina inmate Brad Sigmon is set to become the first person executed by firing squad in the United States since 2010, marking a significant moment amid the increasingly controversial approach to capital punishment. The execution, scheduled between February 7 and March 7, is the result of Sigmon’s decision to opt for this method over lethal injection, which he fears may cause him unneeded pain.
Sigmon, 67, was sentenced to death for the 2001 brutal murders of David and Gladys Larke. According to court documents, he beat them to death with a baseball bat and attempted to kidnap his ex-girlfriend. During his confession, Sigmon remarked, "I can’t have her, I’m not going to let anyone else have her," illustrating the disturbing motivation behind his heinous crime.
Under South Carolina law, the electric chair is the default method of execution, but inmates can choose between lethal injection or firing squad. Despite the availability of lethal injection, Sigmon pursued the firing squad, primarily due to concerns surrounding the new lethal injection protocol adopted by the state. The protocol uses pentobarbital, which has faced supply issues, making it difficult to secure. Some of the executions conducted under this protocol have reportedly resulted in violent outcomes, lasting discomfort, and significant time before death, which has elicited concern from various advocacy groups and legal representatives.
Sigmon’s attorney, Gerald King, has publicly described the choice between execution methods as "an impossible choice between the archaic electric chair, which would burn him alive, and alternatives just as monstrous." These comments highlight the ethical dilemmas surrounding the death penalty and the increasing scrutiny of execution methods across the country.
Firing squads involve strapping the condemned to a chair, placing a hood over their head, and design permitting three volunteers to execute the condemned from behind bulletproof glass—a stark reminder of the grim nature of capital punishment. This method, though outdated, is seen by some as more humane than the alternatives Sigmon faces, especially considering his apprehensions about the lethality of the new injection protocol.
Historically, executions by firing squad have been exceedingly rare, with the last execution conducted this way occurring over a decade ago. The last three inmates executed since Colorado reauthorized the method have all opted for lethal injection instead, which was thought to be the more humane option. Sigmon's choice brings to the forefront the broader debates on execution methods, particularly as more states evaluate and modify their protocols.
Since the beginning of 2022, five executions have been reported across the United States, all conducted by lethal injection. Sigmon's scheduled execution will be the fourth by firing squad since the last was conducted, shining light on the unpredictable nature of capital punishment policies as various states grapple with legal challenges and public opinion.
The debate around the death penalty continues to grow, especially as 23 out of 50 states have abolished capital punishment. Six additional states, including California and Ohio, have imposed moratoriums on executions, citing ethical concerns and procedural challenges as driving factors behind these decisions.
The looming execution of Brad Sigmon is not just another statistic; it serves as a focal point for discussions surrounding justice, morality, and the efficacy of different methods of execution. Legal experts and activists continue to call for stricter regulations and improved standards for how executions are carried out, with many advocating for the complete abolition of capital punishment altogether.
With Sigmon's fate hanging precariously between archaic execution methods and contentious modern protocols, the discourse surrounding his choice will likely reverberate far beyond the walls of the South Carolina prison. Will this raise awareness and spark systemic change, or will it be just another footnote in the complex history of capital punishment? Only time will tell.