South Carolina Executes ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Killer by Firing Squad

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South Carolina Executes ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Killer by Firing Squad

Stephen Bryant, aged 44, was executed by firing squad at a South Carolina prison on Friday, according to the South Carolina Department of Corrections. This execution was part of a controversial use of capital punishment in the state.

Details of the Execution

Bryant was sentenced for three murders that took place during a crime spree in 2004. He infamously wrote the message “catch me if u can” in the blood of one of his victims. The execution occurred on Friday at 6:05 PM, with Bryant being a victim of a voluntary firing squad.

Execution Method

The firing squad consisted of three trained volunteers. Bryant was secured to a metal chair and had a hood placed over his head, positioned 15 feet from a wall with a rectangular opening. Each rifle was loaded with live ammunition and aimed at an “aim point” situated over his heart.

Context of Executions in the U.S.

This year, South Carolina has executed three prisoners using a firing squad, marking the first such executions in the United States in 15 years. The country has seen a total of 43 executions this year—the highest number since 2012.

35 executions by lethal injection
3 executions by firing squad
5 executions by nitrogen hypoxia

Nitrogen hypoxia, involving suffocation from nitrogen gas, has faced condemnation from United Nations experts for being cruel and inhumane. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976, lethal injection has been the primary method for executions in the United States.

Current Landscape of Capital Punishment

The death penalty remains a contentious issue in the U.S. Currently, 23 states have abolished it, while California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania have imposed moratoriums. The conversation around capital punishment continues, particularly with varying state policies and the application of execution methods.

Former President Donald Trump has advocated for the expansion of the death penalty for certain crimes, showcasing the ongoing debate surrounding its use in American society.