South Carolina inmate chooses to die by firing squad like the last condemned inmate before him
Share and Follow


COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A second South Carolina death row inmate has asked to die by firing squad just five weeks after the state carried out its first death by bullets.

Mikal Mahdi chose the firing squad Friday. His execution is scheduled for April 11.

Mahdi was convicted for killing a police officer with a gun he stole from the officer’s shed in 2004.

Mahdi had the choice of dying by firing squad, lethal injection or the electric chair. Mahdi is the first inmate to be executed in the state since Brad Sigmon chose to die by bullets on March 7. A doctor pronounced Sigmon dead less than three minutes after the shots were fired.

Mahdi, 41, ambushed Orangeburg public safety officer James Myers at his Calhoun County shed in July 2004 as he returned from an out-of-town birthday celebration for his wife, sister and daughter, prosecutors said.

Myers’ wife found his burned body, shot at least eight times including twice in the head, in the shed that had been the backdrop for their wedding less than 15 months earlier, authorities said.

Mahdi will be strapped in a chair 15 feet (4.6 meters) from three prison employees who volunteered to be on the firing squad. A target will be placed on his chest. Their rifles will all be loaded with a live round that shatters when it hits his rib cage.

Along with Sigmon, only three other inmates — all in Utah — have been killed by a firing squad in the past 50 years. Sigmon was the first inmate killed by bullets in the U.S. since 2010.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Girl, 10, charged with rape and attempted murder of 5-year-old

10-Year-Old Girl Faces Serious Charges: Accused of Rape and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old

A 10-year-old girl recently faced a courtroom for the first time after…
Witnesses describe horrifying sound after Disney superfan leapt from resort, killing herself

Tragic Incident at Disney Resort: Eyewitnesses Share Details Following Superfan’s Fatal Leap

In a tragic event that has left many in shock, a Disney…
Fernandina Beach mayor launches fundraising campaign to save Peg Leg Pete

Fernandina Beach Mayor Kicks Off Campaign to Preserve Beloved Peg Leg Pete

Fernandina Beach is rallying to gather $23,000 to restore its beloved pirate…
Federal government shutdown update: Enough Senate Democrats expected to vote with Republicans to break shutdown impasse: Sources

Senate Democrats Poised to Break Federal Shutdown Stalemate with GOP Collaboration

WASHINGTON — The Senate is preparing for a crucial vote as early…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Flood in West Virginia Coal Mine Traps Miner Underground

Emergency crews in West Virginia were preparing to deploy an underwater drone…
Donald Trump threatens to sue the BBC for $1billion

Donald Trump Sets Legal Sights on BBC with $1 Billion Lawsuit Threat

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to the BBC, threatening a…
Transgender ex-lawmaker, first in state's history, pleads guilty to federal child sex abuse charges

Historic First: Transgender Former State Legislator Admits Guilt in Federal Child Sex Abuse Case

Stacie-Marie Laughton, once a New Hampshire legislator and recognized as the first…
Florida military families told to take down early Christmas decorations to comply with standards at Tyndall Air Force Base

Tyndall Air Force Base Enforces Holiday Decoration Guidelines for Florida Military Families

Military families residing in base housing in Florida have been instructed to…