South Carolina Executes Triple Murderer by Firing Squad

A South Carolina inmate was executed by firing squad, marking the third such execution in the state this year. Steven Bryant, 44, was declared dead at Broad River Correctional Facility in Columbia at 6:05 p.m. on Friday. He confessed to killing Willard “TJ” Tietjen in October 2004 after claiming he had car trouble and stopped at Tietjen’s remote home. Authorities noted that he also shot and killed two other men that month.

Last month, Bryant opted for execution by firing squad instead of lethal injection or electric chair. He reportedly did not say anything before the execution, merely glanced at ten witnesses present before placing a hood over his head.

For his final meal, he requested a spicy stir-fried seafood mix, fried fish over rice, a fried egg, stuffed shrimp, two candy bars, and German chocolate cake.

When the execution commenced, Bryant reportedly made no sounds as gunshots were fired. A red target marking his heart moved forward from his chest. He took a few shallow breaths and convulsed slightly before being pronounced dead after a minute of doctor evaluation.

Witnesses included three family members of the victims, who held hands during the entire process.

Bryant had previously admitted to the brutal murder of Tietjen, stating he shot him and even burned his eyes with a cigarette, leaving a message in blood on the wall. Investigators revealed that Tietjen’s daughter received a strange voice on the phone after making six calls to him, claiming her father was dead.

In additional incidents, authorities reported that Bryant shot other men in his car as they attempted to urinate on the roadside.

Defense attorney Beau King, who represents Bryant, mentioned his client has a genetic disorder and has suffered significant abuse throughout his life, leading to permanent damage. “His disability has left him unable to cope with painful memories from childhood,” King stated.

Bryant’s execution was the seventh in South Carolina since the state resumed executions after a 13-year hiatus due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs. Earlier this year, two other inmates, Mikal Mahdi and Brad Sigmon, were also sentenced to death by firing squad.

Protesters gathered outside the correctional facility prior to the execution, demonstrating against the death penalty.