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.

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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

Overview

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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.

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

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

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Condemned South Carolina killer chooses to be executed by firing squad

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Condemned South Carolina killer chooses to be executed by firing squad

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: 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

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