Brad Keith Sigmon, the first person to be executed in South Carolina since 2011, was put to death by firing squad on March 7, 2025. The execution took place at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. Sigmon, 63, was convicted in 2002 for his role in the murder of two teenagers, 15-year-old Jasmine B. and 18-year-old Daniel G., during a robbery. He had been sentenced to death in 2004, and his case has since been subject to numerous appeals.
The use of the firing squad as a method of execution in South Carolina was reinstated in 2021 after the state struggled to obtain lethal injection drugs. Sigmon’s execution has reignited discussions about capital punishment in the state, particularly about the ethics of firing squads.
“While we believe in the rule of law, we also believe that life is precious,” commented South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who has backed the use of the firing squad as a legitimate method of execution. Critics of the practice express deep concerns and have pointed out that firing squads are an archaic and barbaric method of execution.
Brad Sigmon’s last meal consisted of BBQ ribs, French fries, and a Dr Pepper, as he declined to make a final statement before the execution. Friends and family of the victims expressed relief, stating, “Justice has finally been served.” Overall, the execution has drawn mixed reactions from advocates and opponents of the death penalty, illustrating the continuing debate around this contentious issue in American society.
