South Carolina Inmate Executed by Firing Squad

A South Carolina death row inmate, convicted over 20 years ago for the murder of a man, was executed by firing squad on Friday. Stephen Bryant, 44, became the third person to be executed this year in South Carolina, following a resumption of executions in the state after a lengthy hiatus due to a shortage of lethal injection drugs.

Bryant had a choice of execution methods—lethal injection, electric chair, or firing squad—up until the day of his execution. Since South Carolina resumed executions in 2024, four inmates opted for lethal injection, while two were executed by gunfire.

Bryant had admitted to killing Willard “TJ” Tietjen in his home, committing acts of violence, including burning Tietjen’s eyes with a cigarette. Disturbingly, he also painted “Catch Me If You Can” on the wall using Tietjen’s blood. Reports indicate that candles were arranged around Tietjen’s body, with a sign stating, “Four victims in two weeks. Catch us if you can.”

During the phone calls made by Tietjen’s daughter, there was an odd voice on the last call that informed investigators of her father’s death.

Prosecutors claimed that Bryant was involved in the deaths of two other men in October 2004, both shot under similar circumstances. His defense attorney argued that Bryant suffered from significant trauma in his childhood, which led to substance abuse and mental health issues in later life.

For his execution, Bryant would be shot from 15 feet away by three appointed volunteers. A potential legal conflict looms, as previous executions by firing squad have faced scrutiny, particularly one where the executioner allegedly missed the heart, resulting in prolonged suffering for the inmate. Observers noted that it took over a minute for the last executed individual to die, raising questions about the method’s humane application.

Since 1977, firing squads have been used in only three U.S. executions, all in Utah. This year alone, 41 individuals have been executed across the country, with at least 18 more scheduled for execution.