The authorities in South Carolina executed a man by firing squad, marking the first US prisoner to be killed in this way in 15 years.
In a press conference, authorities confirmed that Brad Sigmon, 67, was shot at close range by three volunteer prison employees at a prison in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina.
Sigmon, who was strapped to a chair with his head covered by a black hood, chose to be executed by firing squad rather than lethal injection, citing a 'lack of trust in lethal injection,' according to his lawyer.
The lawyer explained to Greenville News that Sigmon feared the injection would cause prolonged suffering.
Earlier, the US Supreme Court had denied a request from Sigmon's lawyer to halt the execution.
Sigmon had been convicted in 2001 for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend's parents with a baseball bat in their home.
In a press conference, authorities confirmed that Brad Sigmon, 67, was shot at close range by three volunteer prison employees at a prison in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina.
Sigmon, who was strapped to a chair with his head covered by a black hood, chose to be executed by firing squad rather than lethal injection, citing a 'lack of trust in lethal injection,' according to his lawyer.
The lawyer explained to Greenville News that Sigmon feared the injection would cause prolonged suffering.
Earlier, the US Supreme Court had denied a request from Sigmon's lawyer to halt the execution.
Sigmon had been convicted in 2001 for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend's parents with a baseball bat in their home.
