Stephen Bryant, a 44-year-old man from South Carolina, was executed by a firing squad on Friday, marking the third execution of this kind in the state this year. Bryant was convicted for the murder of three individuals over a span of five days in a rural part of South Carolina in 2004. He opted for execution by firing squad over lethal injection or the electric chair.
Bryant, who did not make a final statement, briefly looked at the ten witnesses present before a hood was placed over his head. Approximately 55 seconds later, the shots were fired. The red bullseye target marking his heart was propelled forward off his chest. A doctor confirmed his death after a minute-long examination with a stethoscope.
Following the execution, a media witness reported a wet patch on Bryant’s chest where he was shot. Three family members of the victims, who were present as witnesses, held hands throughout the execution.
Bryant’s execution is the seventh in South Carolina in the past 14 months, following a 13-year hiatus due to difficulties in procuring lethal injection drugs. Republican Governor Henry McMaster denied clemency for Bryant, maintaining the state’s record of not offering clemency since the reinstatement of the death penalty in the US in 1976.
For his last meal, Bryant chose a spicy seafood stir-fry, fried fish over rice, egg rolls, stuffed shrimp, two candy bars, and a German chocolate cake. Bo King, a lawyer specializing in death penalty cases in South Carolina, revealed that Bryant suffered from a genetic disorder, was a victim of sexual and physical abuse by family members, and was permanently affected by his mother’s excessive drinking.
King praised Bryant for his grace, courage, and forgiveness towards his family, as well as his love for those inside and outside prison. He also criticized the state’s use of execution, calling it “brutal and shameful” and arguing that it has not made South Carolina safer or more just.
The use of firing squads for execution has a controversial history worldwide. However, some US lawmakers argue it is the quickest and most humane method of execution, especially given recent botched executions using other methods. South Carolina is among several states where the electric chair is still legal.
Bryant’s execution is the 43rd court-ordered execution in the US this year. At least 14 more are scheduled for the remainder of 2025 and the following year. Bryant is also the 50th person to be executed in South Carolina since the state reinstated the death penalty 40 years ago.