Firing squad executions in the US have a long history and are gaining attention again with recent inmates, like Mikal Mahdi, choosing this method. Mahdi is set to be executed in South Carolina for the 2004 murder of a police officer. His attorneys are seeking a reprieve, citing his troubled childhood, lack of mental health care, and poor defense at trial. South Carolina is one of five states that allow execution by firing squad.
Mahdi’s crime spree involved two murders in multiple states, culminating in the ambush, shooting, and setting on fire of Captain James Myers. Mahdi pleaded guilty to this crime, but his attorneys argue he should be spared due to his traumatic past. Mahdi’s attorneys have criticized the handling of his case, stating that he did not receive adequate mental health care and had a weak defense at trial.
Mahdi is scheduled to be the second man executed by firing squad in the US this year. South Carolina recently executed Brad Keith Sigmon through this method. Five states, including South Carolina, have legalized firing squads. Mahdi chose this method as he believed it was the lesser evil compared to other execution methods he faced.
Despite his past and his attorneys’ efforts, the South Carolina Supreme Court has declined to spare Mahdi’s life, allowing his execution to proceed. His last hopes for a reprieve lie with the US Supreme Court and the governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster. The uniqueness of the firing squad method and the details of Mahdi’s case have sparked discussions and debates surrounding his upcoming execution.
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