Story perspectives

South Carolina Executes Death Row Inmate Amid Controversy

11/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

Stephen Bryant, a South Carolina death-row inmate, was executed by firing squad on November 14, 2025.
It marked South Carolina's third firing squad execution this year amid criticism of the method.
Bryant's lawyers argued his childhood trauma and mental health were not adequately considered, and he was denied treatment due to financial constraints.
South Carolina has executed seven individuals since resuming capital punishment in 2024, raising concerns over methods used.

History

Historical Context

South Carolina's capital punishment history includes over 680 executions since 1718, with a 13-year hiatus from 2011 to 2024 due to drug shortages. In 2021, the state authorized the firing squad as an execution method. The resumption began with Freddie Eugene Owens' execution on September 20, 2024, raising ethical concerns about mental health and legal representation for death-row inmates.

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Story summary

Stephen Bryant, a South Carolina death-row inmate, was executed by firing squad on November 14, 2025.
It marked South Carolina's third firing squad execution this year amid criticism of the method.
Bryant's lawyers argued his childhood trauma and mental health were not adequately considered, and he was denied treatment due to financial constraints.
South Carolina has executed seven individuals since resuming capital punishment in 2024, raising concerns over methods used.

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