South Carolina executed Stephen Bryant by firing squad on Friday, marking the state’s third use of this controversial method of execution, despite increasing opposition. Bryant, 44, had been sentenced to death for the 2004 killing of Willard “TJ” Tietjen, and during his final appeals, his lawyers argued that his sentencing judge did not consider his brain damage from prenatal exposure to alcohol and drugs. However, the South Carolina Supreme Court declined to stop the execution, emphasizing the seriousness of Bryant’s crimes.
Since reinstating executions last year after a 13-year hiatus, South Carolina has executed six inmates rapidly, with Bryant being the latest. The execution method of firing squad has garnered criticism from human rights advocates, who describe it as “barbaric,” noting that it had not been employed in the U.S. for over 15 years prior to South Carolina’s revival of the practice.
Bryant’s defense team contended that he did not undergo a comprehensive brain scan prior to his 2008 trial, which could have revealed significant damage due to a tumultuous childhood marked by severe abuse. They argued that this oversight contributed to the failure of his legal counsel to recognize substantial red flags concerning his mental health. In contrast, the state attorney general’s office argued that Bryant’s alleged brain damage was irrelevant, depicting him as methodical and cruel in his actions.
Details surrounding Bryant’s case include disturbing reports of his treatment of Tietjen, who he reportedly subjected to horrific abuse prior to his murder. South Carolina now allows death row inmates to choose their method of execution: lethal injection, electric chair, or firing squad. This is amidst rising concerns about the effectiveness and humanity of lethal injection methods, which have led to gruesome executions in some cases.
The use of firing squads in South Carolina has escalated discussions about the ethical implications of capital punishment. The Rev. Hillary Taylor, executive director of South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, articulated the grim choices faced by death row inmates and emphasized the need for preventative measures to address underlying issues of violence and mental health rather than resorting to execution as a solution.
With this latest execution, South Carolina has reinforced its position as a leader in utilizing firing squads, following a trend seen in only a few other states like Utah and Idaho, which are exploring similar paths for capital punishment. As the state grapples with the continuing debate over the death penalty, advocates call for a shift towards addressing the root causes of crime instead of perpetuating cycles of violence and punishment.