First U.S. firing squad execution in 15 years

South Carolina is to put the first person to death by firing squad in the U.S. in 15 years. Brad Sigmon opted for the firing squad over the electric chair and lethal injection

Brad Keith Sigmon, 67
Convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 2001

.308-caliber Winchester 110-grain TAP Urban

Breaks apart on impact. Fragments spread out with
aim to destroy as much of heart as possible

71.1mm

Hood over head

Execution chair: Steel-made, sits on top of catch basin

Bullet-resistant glas between witness room and execution chamber

Three Corrections Department volunteers fire through wall opening. All three rifles have live ammunition

Aim point placed above heart

Sandbags

4.6 metres

Sources: AP, U.S. Death Penalty Information Centre
Picture: Newscom
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