Brad Keith Sigmon, a 67-year-old convicted murderer, was executed by firing squad in South Carolina on March 7, 2025, marking the state’s first use of this execution method in modern times. His execution is the first by firing squad in the United States since 2010, reigniting debates over the ethics of capital punishment and the methods used to carry it out.
Background of the Crime
Sigmon was found guilty in 2001 for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, William David Larke and Gladys Gwendolyn Larke. After his relationship ended, Sigmon attacked the couple in their home, beating them to death with a baseball bat. His conviction led to a death sentence, which remained in legal limbo for years due to ongoing legal challenges surrounding South Carolina’s execution procedures.
Choice of Execution Method
Facing the options of electrocution or lethal injection, Sigmon chose firing squad, citing concerns about the potential pain and complications associated with other methods. South Carolina has struggled to obtain lethal injection drugs in recent years, leading the state to reinstate alternative execution methods.
Execution Details
The execution took place at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. A team of trained Department of Corrections officers carried out the procedure. Witnesses reported that the process was quick and efficient, with Sigmon pronounced dead shortly after the shots were fired.
Final Statements and Last Meal
In his final moments, Sigmon referenced Bible verses opposing the death penalty and urged Christians to advocate for its abolition. His last meal consisted of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, biscuits, cheesecake, and sweet tea.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Sigmon’s execution has reignited national debates over the ethics of capital punishment and the transparency of execution methods. Lethal injection has faced increasing scrutiny due to botched executions that have resulted in prolonged suffering. Some activists argue that firing squad executions may actually be more humane than lethal injection, while others continue to call for the abolition of the death penalty altogether.
Protests were held outside the prison before the execution, with opponents of capital punishment condemning the use of firing squads as outdated and inhumane. Meanwhile, supporters of the death penalty argued that justice was finally being served for the brutal murders Sigmon committed.
This execution underscores the ongoing national discourse on the death penalty and the methods used, reflecting the deep political and ethical divisions on the issue. South Carolina remains one of the few states actively utilizing alternative execution methods, setting a precedent that could influence policies in other states grappling with similar legal and logistical challenges surrounding capital punishment.