Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate, is scheduled for execution by firing squad on March 7 in South Carolina. Sigmon has opted for this method due to concerns over the state's controversial lethal injection protocols. This marks the first use of a firing squad for capital punishment in the United States since 2010, when Utah last employed the method. Currently, five states in the U.S. permit the use of firing squads, with Idaho lawmakers advocating for it to become the primary execution method.
South Carolina has been unable to carry out executions since 2011 due to difficulties in procuring lethal injection supplies. The state's execution protocols stipulate that during a firing squad execution, the inmate is strapped to a chair, an "aim point" is placed on the heart, and a hood covers the head. Three marksmen, positioned behind a wall 15 feet away, perform the execution. The placement of the chair ensures that witnesses view only the right-side profile of the individual being executed.
In recent years, South Carolina's executions have been conducted using pentobarbital, a sedative. However, the U.S. Justice Department withdrew its protocol involving this drug in January 2017, citing concerns about potential unnecessary pain and suffering. Sigmon's legal team has expressed apprehensions regarding the secrecy surrounding South Carolina's lethal injection drugs and procedures.
"He has a right to this choice, but it’s not an informed choice," stated Gerald “Bo” King, Sigmon's attorney.
The lack of transparency has left Sigmon with limited options, as he must choose between electrocution, lethal injection, or being shot. His lawyer highlighted the gravity of this decision.
"My frustration is we are in a world where he has to choose between being electrocuted, poisoned or shot, and we can’t even get the most basic facts you would want to make that decision," King added.
Sigmon's situation arises partly from concerns over past execution methods. The last three executions in South Carolina using pentobarbital faced scrutiny over their efficacy and the pain they inflicted.
"You have three executions that have seemingly gone awry," remarked King.
Sigmon's legal team argues that his decision stems from the dire consequences of his mental health issues and organic brain injuries. These factors aggravated his manic and irrational behavior, leading to the crime for which he was sentenced.
"This was a horrible crime that was a product of this convergence of mental illness and organic brain injuries that amplified his manic and irrational episodes," King explained.
Throughout his time in prison, Sigmon has reportedly become a source of stability for fellow inmates and guards. His attorney describes him as deeply remorseful and dedicated to his Christian faith.
"Brad is enormously remorseful. He’s a devout Christian and spends a tremendous amount of time on prayer and penitence. He repents every day for what he’s done," King noted.
The upcoming execution has sparked debate over the purpose and morality of capital punishment. King argues that executing Sigmon would ignore his repentance and transformation.
"Executing Brad would serve no purpose except to send a single, chilling message: no matter how profoundly a person repents, South Carolina refuses to recognize redemption," King asserted.
Some experts expect public reaction to be one of shock due to the graphic nature of a firing squad execution.
"I expect many members of the public will be shocked by the graphic and bloody display that will result from a firing squad execution," stated Robin Maher, an advocate against capital punishment.
The execution protocols indicate that during the process, Sigmon may experience intense pain from gunshot wounds and broken bones.
"During this time, he will feel excruciating pain resulting from the gunshot wounds and broken bones," said a South Carolina judge.
As South Carolina prepares to conduct its first firing squad execution in over a decade, questions surrounding ethics, transparency, and humane treatment continue to cloud the discourse on capital punishment.