South Carolina Death Row Inmate Chooses Firing Squad Execution

Sat Nov 01 2025 01:16:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Stephen Bryant, a death row inmate in South Carolina, has opted for execution by firing squad, scheduled for November 14. This choice follows a history of violent crimes and a controversial execution method that has raised legal questions.

Stephen Bryant, convicted for multiple murders, including the heinous killing of Willard Tietjen, will be executed by firing squad on November 14, making him the third person this year to face this method in South Carolina amid ongoing legal disputes regarding its efficacy and humanity.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A death row inmate in South Carolina, Stephen Bryant, has chosen to be executed by firing squad, scheduled for November 14. At 44 years old, he will be the third man this year to face this particular method of execution.

Bryant was convicted of killing Willard “TJ” Tietjen in a shocking act of violence where he not only shot Tietjen but also taunted investigators by writing 'catch me if u can' on the wall with the victim’s blood. His crime spree extended to the murder of two other men in 2004, whom he shot while they urinated by the roadside.

The decision to use a firing squad is contentious and likely to spark a court battle over its application. Following the recent execution of Mikal Mahdi, concerns were raised about the proficiency of the shooters, as Mahdi reportedly experienced prolonged agony due to missed shots affecting his vital organs. Legal representation from Mahdi's case has indicated they might challenge the firing squad's method based on these issues.

Experts have expressed doubt over the shooting accuracy and the humaneness of the firing squad after Mahdi's execution, which deviated from established expectations for such procedures. Complications arose over whether the shooters are correctly instructed to aim for the heart without causing excessive harm.

This method was introduced in South Carolina after a prolonged halt in executions, largely due to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs. Since reinstating the death penalty, South Carolina has seen its eighth execution since September 2024, with others opting for lethal injection or the electric chair.

Bryant's case is particularly harrowing as it reflects a troubled past of abuse and addiction, which his defense attorneys argue contributed to his violent behavior. The background of his crimes involves not only personal turmoil but also a significant breach of societal safety, as described during trials.

The implications of Bryant's execution extend beyond personal tragedy, touching on broader discussions of capital punishment practices and their ethical ramifications in today's society. As more executions are scheduled in the coming months, Bryant's execution raises pressing questions concerning the methods of execution and their perceived humanity.