Jobaaj Stories
Brad Sigmon: South Carolina's First Firing Squad Execution in 15 Years
On March 7, 2025, Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old South Carolina man, became the first person executed by firing squad in the United States in nearly 15 years. His death marks a significant event in the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment and execution methods in the US.
The Crime and Conviction
Sigmon was convicted of the brutal 2001 murders of David and Gladys Larke, the parents of his ex-girlfriend, Becky Barbare. He bludgeoned them to death with a baseball bat after an argument with Barbare. He then attempted to kidnap her at gunpoint but she escaped. His trial resulted in a death sentence in 2002.
Choosing the Firing Squad
Facing execution by either lethal injection or the electric chair, Sigmon opted for the firing squad, citing concerns about the pain and potential suffering associated with the other methods. South Carolina's secrecy surrounding its lethal injection process fueled his apprehension. Despite last-minute legal appeals and a clemency plea, his request was granted.
The Execution
The execution took place at Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. Three volunteer members of the Department of Corrections fired rifles at Sigmon, who was strapped to a chair with a target placed over his heart. Witnesses reported a swift death, though the graphic nature of the event sparked renewed debate about the morality and humanity of capital punishment.
A Renewed Debate
Sigmon's execution reignited the contentious discussion surrounding execution methods in the United States. While some argue that firing squads offer a quicker, more humane death than lethal injection, critics point to its inherent brutality and its historical association with extrajudicial killings. The event highlighted the scarcity of lethal injection drugs and the resulting challenges faced by states in carrying out death sentences.
Sigmon's Final Words
Before his execution, Sigmon delivered a final statement calling for an end to the death penalty. He expressed remorse for his actions and urged fellow Christians to advocate for its abolition.
Conclusion
Brad Sigmon's execution by firing squad serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding capital punishment in the United States. His choice of execution method, and the graphic nature of the event itself, has once again brought the debate to the forefront of public discourse, prompting renewed discussion about the ethics and legality of different execution methods.
