South Carolina Death Row Inmate Chooses Firing Squad for Execution

Sat Nov 01 2025 00:41:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Stephen Bryant, a convicted murderer, has opted for execution by firing squad in South Carolina, set for November 14. His case raises questions about the state's execution methods amid ongoing legal scrutiny.

On November 14, Stephen Bryant, a death row inmate in South Carolina, is scheduled to be executed by firing squad, following his conviction for the gruesome murder of Willard 'TJ' Tietjen and the killings of two other men in 2004. The choice of execution method comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding the firing squad's procedures and effectiveness, particularly concerning previous executions that have drawn legal challenges. Bryant's case highlights significant issues within the state's penal system, as he exhibited signs of severe psychological distress prior to committing the murders.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Stephen Bryant, a 44-year-old man sentenced to death in South Carolina, has decided to face execution by firing squad on November 14. This decision makes him the third inmate this year to choose this controversial method, a new addition to the state's execution protocol.

Bryant is notorious for the heinous murder of Willard 'TJ' Tietjen, which involved brutally shooting Tietjen and subsequently desecrating the scene with bloodscrawled messages on the wall. Prosecutors have highlighted that Bryant also murdered two additional men during a series of violent incidents in the Sumter County area in 2004.

Court Challenges Loom over Execution Method

The decision to use a firing squad, comprising three volunteers shooting from a distance of 15 feet, likely sets the stage for legal challenges prior to the execution. Recent concerns were heightened following the botched execution of Mikal Mahdi, whose death became a point of contention due to the approximate duration of his suffering, which exceeded expert predictions.

Witnesses reported distressing sounds from Mahdi that raised alarms about the firing squad's reliability. Questions persist over the efficacy of the method, as it is claimed that shooters must hit the heart without necessarily destroying it.

The Firing Squad as a Controversial Choice

The introduction of the firing squad came amid a prolonged pause in executions in South Carolina, primarily because the state could not obtain the necessary drugs for lethal injections. Firing squads are rare in the U.S., with the last known executions occurring in Utah.

Bryant's scheduled execution marks the eighth since South Carolina resumed executions in 2024, with most inmates opting for lethal injection. Bryant's case resurrects discussions over the death penalty in America, particularly concerning mental health issues. His legal team asserts he had endured severe psychological trauma in the months leading up to his crimes, prompting alarming behavior and substance abuse.

The haunting legacy of his actions resonates deeply within the community, raising fundamental questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the complexities surrounding the death penalty. As Bryant's execution date approaches, further scrutiny and public discourse on these issues are anticipated.