A recent execution in South Carolina ended in controversy when Mikal Mahdi, a convicted murderer, reportedly suffered extreme pain due to a “failed” shooting attempt. The incident occurred on April 11th, where Mahdi, who was found guilty of killing a police officer in 2004, was executed by a firing squad.
However, an autopsy revealed that none of the bullets struck his heart, and only two wounds were found on his chest, contrary to the anticipated three. Reports indicate that one bullet caused damage to his liver and other organs, allowing his heart to keep beating for around a minute after being shot.
Pathologist Dr. Jonathan Arden highlighted in his analysis that Mahdi endured “unbearable” conscious pain for approximately 30 to 60 seconds following the execution. Dr. Arden, engaged by Mahdi’s legal team to review the autopsy findings, noted that the extent of Mahdi’s response extended beyond what was expected during such an event.
In July 2004, Mahdi was involved in three murders, including a brutal killing of 56-year-old police officer James Myers, who suffered multiple gunshots before his body was burned.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Carl Wiglen, who evaluated the autopsy records, stated, “I think it took him a little while for him to bleed,” indicating the execution didn’t proceed as swiftly as it should have.
Subsequently, Mahdi’s attorney presented the autopsy report to the South Carolina Supreme Court, labeling the execution a “failure.” While the state constitution forbids cruel or unusual punishment, a prior ruling from the court determined that firing squad executions do not inherently constitute cruelty, as the pain is claimed to last no more than 15 seconds.
The court noted that unless there is an egregious error, such as all members of the firing squad missing their target, the execution should be largely humane.
In an interesting shift, death row inmates had chosen execution by firing squad just weeks after the state conducted its first execution using this method.
Some doubts were cast regarding the autopsy findings, specifically whether two bullets could have caused a single wound. Dr. Wiglen remarked on the unlikelihood of that occurrence.
Moreover, an Associated Press reporter, Jeffrey Collins, recounted hearing Mahdi moan about 45 seconds post-execution and noted he continued breathing for an additional 80 seconds before his final exhale.
Dr. Arden concluded that forensic evidence, alongside witness testimonies, suggests Mahdi’s responses exceeded what was projected or desired during the execution process.
