On March 7, 2025, South Carolina witnessed a significant and somber event that will resonate in discussions about capital punishment for years to come. Brad Sigmon, a 67-year-old inmate on death row, was executed by a three-man firing squad, a method that had not been utilized in the United States for 15 years. Sigmon, who was convicted of the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001, opted for this method over the more commonly used lethal injection. His decision stemmed from a profound fear that the drugs used in lethal injection might malfunction, leading to a painful and prolonged death. He expressed a particular dread of being subjected to a scenario akin to an electric chair, where delays could result in excruciating suffering.
This account delves into Sigmon’s final moments, the execution process as observed by experienced journalists, and the broader implications of such a method in contemporary legal and ethical discussions surrounding capital punishment. Veteran journalist Jeffrey Collins, who has spent over two decades covering executions in South Carolina, provides insights into the stark realities of state-sanctioned death, examining the physical, psychological, and moral dimensions of this irreversible penalty.
Sigmon’s path to death row was marked by a violent crime that shocked the community. In 2001, he brutally murdered David and Gladys Larke, the parents of his ex-girlfriend, using a baseball bat in a premeditated attack. The gruesome nature of the crime led to his conviction and subsequent death sentence, which many in the community viewed as a necessary measure of justice. However, for Sigmon, the prospect of a drawn-out death, particularly through lethal injection, became a source of deep anxiety. His choice of the firing squad was driven by a desire for a swift and certain end, reflecting his fears about the potential for suffering associated with other methods.
While lethal injection has historically been the preferred method for death row inmates, Sigmon’s case stands out due to his explicit preference for the firing squad. He distrusted the drugs used in lethal injections, believing that any malfunction could lead to unnecessary pain. By opting for the firing squad, Sigmon not only highlighted his personal fears but also reignited public interest in a method that had largely faded from national discussions.
On the day of the execution, Collins provided a detailed account of the proceedings. Sigmon was led into a sterile execution chamber, dressed in a standard black jumpsuit and secured in a specially designed metal chair. A white target was affixed over his heart, serving as a grim focal point for the execution. As the clock approached 6:08 PM, a hood was placed over his head, and the firing squad, positioned at a safe distance, prepared to carry out the execution. The moment was marked by palpable tension, and when the rifles discharged, the sound echoed through the chamber, marking the end of Sigmon’s life in an instant.
The aftermath was swift, with a medical officer confirming his death shortly after the execution. Collins’s account of the event serves as a stark reminder of the realities of capital punishment, a subject often discussed in abstract terms but with tangible impacts on all involved.
The choice of execution method raises critical ethical questions. While lethal injection is often touted as a more humane option, concerns about its efficacy and the potential for botched executions have led to skepticism. Sigmon’s preference for the firing squad reflects a broader debate about the humaneness of execution methods. Supporters argue that the immediacy of the firing squad minimizes suffering, while critics contend that its brutality is incompatible with modern standards of human dignity.
The execution of Brad Sigmon has sparked renewed discussions about the future of capital punishment in America. It challenges policymakers, legal experts, and society to confront difficult questions about justice, retribution, and the value of human life. As the nation grapples with these issues, the legacy of this event will undoubtedly influence ongoing debates about the ethics and efficacy of capital punishment, compelling us to reflect on how we define justice and humanity in the context of state-sanctioned death.