South-Carolina

A look back at who South Carolina has executed on death row in 2025. Who remains?

Published

2 months ago

December 25, 2025

A look back at who South Carolina has executed on death row in 2025. Who remains?

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Near the tail end of 2024, South Carolina executed its first person in more than a decade.

The stoppage in the Palmetto State was due to government officials being unable to procure the drugs used in the lethal injection. The General Assembly passed a shield law, and prison officials were able to find a compounding pharmacy willing to make the pentobarbital if its identity wasn’t made public, ending the 13-year pause.

Since then, the state has killed seven men in around 15 months. As 2025 comes to a close, South Carolina executed five men on death row.

READ MORE | “South Carolina Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of state’s 3 death penalty methods.”

Who were they, and what were they convicted of?

From L to R: Marion Bowman Jr., Brad Sigmon,{ }Stephen Christopher Stanko,{ }Stephen Bryant & Mikal Mahdi (FILE)

Marion Bowman Jr.

This undated photo shows Marion Bowman Jr. released by the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Bowman was put to death by lethal injection on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, in the evening. (South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP)

Bowman was convicted of the 2001 killing of 21-year-old Kandee Martin. Martin was shot in the head, and her body was found in the trunk of a car that had been set on fire in Dorchester County.

Up until his death, Bowman maintained his innocence – going as far as deciding not to ask the governor for clemency, saying he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in prison for a murder he didn’t commit.

Lindsey Vann, Bowman’s death penalty attorney, filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking a last-minute stay of execution to review the case in the days leading up to his execution. Vann argued that witnesses against Bowman “were getting deals from the prosecutors to provide their testimony against Mr. Bowman, and we’ve uncovered information that his defense team wasn’t adequately representing him and really was pressuring him to plead guilty, despite not reviewing all of the discovery and not really preparing to confront the state’s case at trial.”

That appeal was eventually denied and Bowman was executed by lethal injection on Jan. 31. For his final works, Bowman penned a poem titled “Last Breath or Sigh.”

READ MORE ON THE CASE: “Marion Bowman Jr. executed in South Carolina, third inmate since September.”

Brad Keith Sigmon

FILE – This undated image provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections shows Brad Sigmon. (South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP, File)

Sigmon was convicted of the 2001 baseball bat murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, after they had evicted him from their trailer.

Prosecutors say Sigmon beat the couple to death at their Greenville County home, moving between their separate bedrooms until they died. He then kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, though she managed to escape.

His final words were used to urge his fellow people of faith to end the death penalty.

“An eye for an eye was used as justification to the jury for seeking the death penalty,” Sigmon said. “At that time, I was too ignorant to know how wrong that was. Why? Because we no longer live under the Old Testament law but now live under the New Testament.”

Sigmon became the first inmate executed by firing squad in the modern history of South Carolina on Friday, March 7.

READ MORE ON THE CASE: “Brad Sigmon executed by firing squad, first in South Carolina’s history.”

Mikal Deen Mahdi

This photo provided by South Carolina Department of Corrections shows Mikal Mahdi. (South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP)

Mahdi admitted to killing Orangeburg Public Safety officer James Myers in 2004, shooting him at least eight times and then burning his body. Myers’ wife later discovered his remains in a shed on the couple’s Calhoun County property, the same location where they had been married 15 months earlier. Mahdi was arrested in Florida while driving Myers’ unmarked police pickup truck.

Mahdi also confessed to killing Christopher Boggs, a convenience store clerk in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, three days earlier. Boggs was shot twice in the head while checking Mahdi’s identification. Mahdi was later sentenced to life in prison for that killing.

Despite multiple appeals, petitions to the governor, and claims that Mahdi had PTSD due to childhood trauma, Governor Henry McMaster denied clemency moments before Mahdi was put to death by firing squad.

Mahdi became the second inmate executed by firing squad in the modern history of South Carolina on Friday, April 11.

READ MORE ON THE CASE: “Witnesses recount harrowing final moments of Mikal Mahdi’s execution by firing squad in SC.”

Stephen Christopher Stanko

Stanko, 57, was convicted for the April 8, 2005, murder of 43-year-old librarian Laura Ling, the murder of 74-year-old Conway resident Henry Lee Turner and the assault of Ling’s teenage daughter.

Stanko attempted to overturn his death penalty conviction of Ling by appearing before the South Carolina Supreme Court in September 2007. Stanko also tried to appeal his conviction in the Turner murder case in February 2013. At both appearances, the court reaffirmed his sentence. Before his murder convictions, Stanko was previously incarcerated in 1996 for assault and kidnapping, where he served 8.5 years in prison.

Stanko was executed by lethal injection on Friday, June 13, at Broad River Correctional Institution.

READ MORE ON THE CASE: “Stephen Stanko executed in South Carolina, sixth inmate since September.”

Stephen Bryant

Current SCDC photo of death row inmate Stephen Corey Bryant. (SCDC)

Bryant, 44, was sentenced to death for the 2004 murder of Willard “TJ” Tietjen. Prosecutors said Bryant shot Tietjen, burned his eyes, and scrawled messages on the walls using Tietjen’s blood.

He was also convicted of killing two other men in Sumter County within the same five-day span—one prior to Tietjen’s death and one after. Authorities said Bryant had offered the men rides and shot them in the back after they stepped out of his car to urinate along the roadside.

Defense attorneys argued that Bryant had been unraveling in the months before the killings, telling both a probation agent and an aunt that he needed help because he was overwhelmed by memories of being sexually abused as a child by several relatives.

His attorneys filed a series of final appeals and sought clemency in the days leading up to the execution, but Gov. Henry McMaster declined to intervene. Like his predecessors, McMaster has never granted clemency to an inmate on death row.

Bryant was executed by firing squad at Broad River Correctional Institution on Friday, Nov. 14.

READ MORE ON THE CASE: “Stephen Bryant executed by firing squad, third in South Carolina’s history.”

Who is still on death row?

As of Dec. 24, 23 men remain on South Carolina’s death row. Fourteen of the men on death row are white. Nine of the men are Black. The particulars of the cases change; however, what remains the same is the process.

South Carolina’s Supreme Court issues execution notices when a defendant has exhausted all of their normal appeals. Final appeals may continue up until the defendant is in the death chamber, as lawyers wait for the final word from the governor or the United States Supreme Court.

The full list of death row inmates in South Carolina as of Dec. 24:

Bayan Aleksey
Steven Vernon Bixby
Ricky Lee Blackwell, Sr.
Luzenski Allen Cottrell
Donnie S. Council
William Dickerson
Ron Oneal Finklea
Mar-Reece Hughes
Jerry Buck Inman
Jerome Jenkins, Jr.
Timothy Ray Jones
Marion A. Lindsey
Tyree Alphonso Roberts
James D. Robertson
Mitchell Carlton Sims
Norman Starnes
Bobby Wayne Stone
Gary Dubose Terry
Andres Antonio Torres
James William Wilson
Louis Michael Winkler
John Richard Wood
Anthony Woods

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South-Carolina

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

Published

23 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — The House ethics committee announced Monday it is investigating Representative Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Republican, for potentially improper reimbursement.

Mace may have sought and received reimbursements for Washington property expenses that were greater than the costs she actually incurred. The congresswoman has taken issue with the reliability of the committee’s evidence, however.

The committee began its investigation following a December referral from the House Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), an independent body that reviews allegations of misconduct. The OCC recommended that the committee investigate Mace’s reimbursement activity since there is “substantial” reason to believe she acted unethically – potentially in violation of House rules, standards of conduct and federal law.

Bills and statements from early 2023 to mid-2024 show that Mace overbilled the House for over $9,000 during that period, the OCC said. She allegedly requested the maximum reimbursement each month, at times receiving over a thousand dollars more than what she was entitled to, although the details of her finances are murky. Mace owned the property with her fiancé, who may have helped pay for it, according to the OCC.

“Based on the information available to the OCC, it appears Rep. Mace was reimbursed amounts exceeding the actual costs incurred for the DC Property during several months in 2023 and 2024,” the office said in its report.

“Further, if Rep. Mace did not pay for 100% of expenses related to the DC property – a determination the OCC could neither reach nor reject due to the Congresswoman’s lack of cooperation – this would increase the disparity between the amounts Rep. Mace was reimbursed and her actual expenses incurred.”

Mace’s lawyer, William Sullivan, Jr., wrote in response to the report in December that the OCC’s conclusions were “fundamentally flawed.” The report appeared to include unverified assertions and materials from the congresswoman’s former fiancé, who has a history of abusive and retaliatory behavior toward her, Sullivan said. The couple’s relationship ended in late 2023 to protect Mace’s “safety and wellbeing,” he noted.

“The Referral Report’s reliance on material and information originating from [the former fiancé] is therefore deeply problematic,” Sullivan wrote. “[The fiancé’s] personal motives, documented misuse of legal process, and demonstrated willingness to advance distorted or incomplete narratives about the Congresswoman raise substantial concerns about the accuracy and fairness of any claims premised upon or aligned with his accounts.”

The ethics committee is in the initial stage of its investigation and is gathering more information before advancing.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.

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South-Carolina

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

The college basketball slate on Tuesday will include Mike Sharavjamts and the South Carolina Gamecocks (12-17, 3-13 SEC) hosting Nate Ament and the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers (20-9, 10-6 SEC) at Colonial Life Arena, with the matchup tipping at 6 p.m. ET.

See more details below, including how to watch this game on SEC Network.

Here’s everything you need to prepare for Tuesday’s college hoops action.

South Carolina vs. Tennessee: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Game time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Arena: Colonial Life Arena
TV Channel: SEC Network
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Tennessee vs. South Carolina stats and trends

Tennessee is averaging 80.1 points per game (87th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while ceding 69.2 points per contest (62nd-ranked).
The Volunteers are dominating when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (40.1 per game) and second-best in boards allowed (25.8 per contest).
Tennessee ranks 32nd in the country with 17.0 assists per game.
The Volunteers are committing 11.6 turnovers per game (240th-ranked in college basketball). They are forcing 10.6 turnovers per contest (231st-ranked).
Tennessee is making 6.8 threes per game (279th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 34.3% shooting percentage (167th-ranked) from three-point land.
With 7.9 threes conceded per game, the Volunteers rank 196th in the country. They are giving up a 30.5% shooting percentage from three-point land, which ranks 29th in college basketball.
Tennessee is attempting 41.3 two-pointers per game this year, which account for 67.7% of the shots it has taken (and 76.2% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 19.7 three-pointers per contest, which are 32.3% of its shots (and 23.8% of the team’s buckets).

Tennessee vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-8.5)
Moneyline: Tennessee (-437), South Carolina (+328)
Total: 143.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 1:12 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

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South-Carolina

Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have caused a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Analysts predict gas prices will rise in the U.S., including in South Carolina.
The conflict has disrupted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global transit route.
South Carolina’s average gas price remains lower than the national average, which is approaching $3 per gallon.

An escalating conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in March 2026 has initiated a sharp rise in global energy prices.

Analysts predict a significant uptick in U.S. gasoline prices, including in South Carolina, which often has some of the lowest gas prices in the country.

As of March 2026, AAA reports the national average for regular gasoline is $2.997 per gallon.

Based on projections released earlier this year in the Short-Term Energy Outlook, 2026 was initially forecast to have lower gas prices than 2025. With an expected 6% decrease, translating into approximately a 20-cent-per-gallon drop.

However, due to the conflict, these projections are now uncertain, and prices may not follow the anticipated trend.

“The national average price of gasoline has climbed for a fourth straight week, driven primarily by seasonal tightening and broader market dynamics,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

In the week ahead, De Han stated, gasoline prices are likely to face heightened upward pressure as seasonal trends continue and markets navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape, with the national average poised to reach the $3-per-gallon mark for the first time this year.

“Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekend’s U.S.-Iran attacks, which have elevated geopolitical risk premiums even in the absence of immediate supply disruption,” said De Haan. “Oil prices have firmed as traders assess the potential for further escalation, and while fundamentals such as inventories and refinery activity remain important anchors, the risk of broader instability, particularly involving key transit routes, has injected fresh uncertainty into energy markets.”

Here’s what South Carolinians need to know.

How much is gas in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s average gasoline price remains significantly lower than the national average.

In South Carolina, the average price for regular gasoline currently stands at $2.666 per gallon, according to AAA. Mid-grade gasoline is priced at $3.099, premium gasoline is $3.494, and diesel is priced at $3.505.

Gas price hikes anticipated as bombing continue in Iran

South Carolina drivers should consider filling up their gas tanks soon to avoid potential price spikes.

Analysts expect crude oil, which ended trading on Friday, Feb. 27, at about $67 a barrel, to open this week at $90 or higher as traders process the news that Iranian forces have restricted traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Why are gas prices rising?

Iran is a major oil producer, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil passes, according to reports from USA TODAY.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned vessels to avoid the area, and major shipping companies like Maersk have suspended all crossings. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates send most of their oil exports through there.

This disruption has and could continue to reduce supply, driving prices up as demand remains steady.

“Too many global economies depend on that corridor to remain blocked,” De Haan said. “Markets price high transaction costs and additional uncertainty, he says, but he is not expecting full closure.”

If access through the strait is limited for an extended period, prices could rise “materially above $100/barrel,” said analysts at TD Securities in a March 1 note.

On the other hand, if access through the strait is guaranteed and hostilities cease, the added costs to account for the extra risk could evaporate in a matter of weeks, the TD team wrote.

“If it becomes clear this week that the tensions with Iran are short-lived, then oil prices will come back to the 60s,” said Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, in emailed remarks to USA TODAY.

Has South Carolina hit highest record average gas prices?

Despite the current spike in gas prices due to the conflict, South Carolina has not yet surpassed its highest recorded average prices, according to AAA.

The record for regular unleaded gasoline in the state was $4.609 per gallon on June 12, 2022.

Diesel hit a peak of $5.638 per gallon on June 10, 2022.

March gas price outlook: What drivers need to know about gas prices

As reported by USA TODAY on Feb. 28, the national average for U.S. gas prices is likely to push above $3 a gallon on March 2 for the first time this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, prices will likely hit at least $3.10 to $3.15 a gallon.

There’s also a normal seasonal increase in gas prices around this time of year, driven by seasonal pipeline maintenance, the transition to more expensive summer-blend fuel, and an increase in driving, according to GasBuddy analysis.

Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, expects gas prices to rise in roughly the same rate as oil prices over the coming weeks.

If crude jumps 10%, gas prices will as well, said Thummel.

Upstate SC Gas landscape

According to GasBuddy, in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, gas prices have shown similar trends to the national average, with drivers experiencing gradual increases at the pump.

Upstate South Carolina stations are adjusting prices in response to crude oil fluctuations and seasonal factors. Here’s the latest prices as of Mondy, March 2 at noon: