Why did Brad Sigmon choose the firing squad over other execution methods?

Brad Sigmon chose the firing squad because he feared the electric chair would cause a painful death by burning, and he was concerned about the prolonged suffering associated with lethal injection, which has been controversial in recent executions in South Carolina.

What were the circumstances surrounding Brad Sigmon's conviction?

Brad Sigmon was convicted for the 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend's parents, whom he beat to death with a baseball bat. He also kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint but she managed to escape.

Why did South Carolina introduce the firing squad as an execution method?

South Carolina introduced the firing squad as an execution method due to difficulties in obtaining drugs for lethal injections. Pharmaceutical companies were hesitant to supply the drugs if their involvement became public, leading to a shield law to protect suppliers' identities.

What are Brad Sigmon's lawyers arguing in their last appeal?

Brad Sigmon's lawyers are arguing that his trial lawyers were inexperienced and failed to adequately present his mental illness and rough childhood as mitigating factors during his trial. They are also seeking clemency from the governor.

3 articles

·7M

South Carolina Inmate Chooses Firing Squad for Execution, First in 15 Years

Brad Sigmon, a condemned inmate in South Carolina, opts for execution by firing squad, marking a significant shift in capital punishment dialogues in the U.S.

l 33%

c 67%

Man chooses firing squad for execution, would be US's first in 15 years

Newsweek

Condemned South Carolina killer chooses to be executed by firing squad

Associated Press

South Carolina man to be killed in US’s first firing squad execution in 15 years

The Guardian

Subscribe to unlock this story

We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!

Get Started

Have an account? Sign in

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Condemned inmate Brad Sigmon has chosen to die by firing squad on March 7, making him the first U.S. inmate executed by gunfire in 15 years. Following a series of controversial lethal injections, Sigmon rejected the electric chair due to fears of a painful death and instead selected the firing squad as a less torturous option, despite its violent nature. Sigmon, convicted of the 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend's parents, has previously appealed for clemency based on claims of mental illness and remorse, but the state has continued its push for execution.

Written by AI using shared reports from

3 articles

Report issue

Read both sides in 5 minutes each day

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.

How we categorize media bias

Articles (3)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

Sort By

Center (2)

Man chooses firing squad for execution, would be US's first in 15 years

Newsweek·7M

Condemned South Carolina killer chooses to be executed by firing squad

Associated Press·7M

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

: Brad Sigmon chose the firing squad because he feared the electric chair would cause a painful death by burning, and he was concerned about the prolonged suffering associated with lethal injection, which has been controversial in recent executions in South Carolina.
CBS News, Fox News
: Brad Sigmon was convicted for the 2001 murders of his ex-girlfriend's parents, whom he beat to death with a baseball bat. He also kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint but she managed to escape.
CBS News, Fox News
: South Carolina introduced the firing squad as an execution method due to difficulties in obtaining drugs for lethal injections. Pharmaceutical companies were hesitant to supply the drugs if their involvement became public, leading to a shield law to protect suppliers' identities.
CBS News, ABC News
: Brad Sigmon's lawyers are arguing that his trial lawyers were inexperienced and failed to adequately present his mental illness and rough childhood as mitigating factors during his trial. They are also seeking clemency from the governor.
CBS News

History

See how this story has evolved over time.

This story does not have any previous versions.