Firing Squad Execution Set for South Carolina Man

A man in South Carolina, Stephen Bryant, who was convicted of murdering three individuals more than two decades ago, is set to face execution by firing squad. This would make him the third person to be executed in the state this year.

At 44 years old, Bryant’s execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday at the Broad River Correctional Facility located in Columbia. South Carolina resumed executions last September after a significant break of 13 years. This pause was primarily due to issues with securing lethal injection drugs and concerns surrounding failed lethal injections.

Since the resumption, four men have been executed via lethal injection, and the electric chair remains an option as well.

Interestingly, three prison staff have volunteered to carry out the execution from a distance of 15 feet. Right now, Bryant has no pending appeals, but he has the option to request a pardon from the governor. Historically, pardons have not been granted since the death penalty was reinstated in the U.S. back in 1976, a notable exception being just moments before an execution.

Last month, Bryant chose to be executed by firing squad rather than opting for lethal injections or the electric chair. He has confessed to the horrifying murder of Willard “TJ” Tietjen, stating that he shot Tietjen inside his home and committed further acts of violence afterward, including using Tietjen’s blood to paint a message on the wall.

Reports reveal that candles were placed around Tietjen’s body and that there were eerie signs, such as a message proclaiming “Catch Me If You Can.” Tietjen’s daughter reportedly made several frantic calls, with the last one resulting in a bizarre voice admitting to Tietjen’s murder.

In addition to Tietjen, Bryant also shot two other men in October 2004 after offering them a ride, contributing to his three murder convictions.

Bryant’s legal representative has raised concerns about their personal history, highlighting trauma stemming from childhood abuse and struggles with substance use leading up to the murders.

The last individual executed by firing squad, Michal Mahdi, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against the state, claiming his execution may have resulted in a prolonged and painful death.

Mahdi was convicted for the 2004 murders of a police officer and a convenience store clerk, receiving the death penalty for the officer’s murder and life imprisonment for the clerk’s. This situation continues to unveil complex issues surrounding the death penalty in South Carolina.