South-Carolina

I saw South Carolina use a firing squad to execute a man. I am sick with rage. | Opinion

Published

11 months ago

March 29, 2025

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I saw South Carolina use a firing squad to execute a man. I am sick with rage. | Opinion

My client was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. We argued his mental illness warranted a reprieve. But he became the first prisoner executed by firing squad in 15 years. I witnessed it.

Bo King
| Opinion contributor

Just after 6 p.m. on March 7, the curtain hiding South Carolina’s execution chamber jerks open. From my front-row seat, the room reveals itself in phases. First, two wardens. Next, the lethal injection gurney and ancient electric chair. Finally, its newest method of execution: a slanted chair in the far corner, facing a short black curtain in the right wall. The man tied to the chair is my client, Brad Sigmon.

The cruelest aspect of executions is the restraints. I saw three men in Georgia tied down with arms outstretched and feet together, crucifixion-style. Brad is strapped across his ankles, lap and waist. His right arm has been wrenched straight back and tied to the chair. A white square with a red “bullseye” is attached to his chest, where it rises and falls with his breathing.

Brad is wearing a new black T-shirt and sweatpants. At our final visit that afternoon. Brad, who is 67, said they were the most comfortable clothes he’d worn in 23 years on death row. “And it’s true what they say,” he laughed. “Black is slimming.” The purpose of the color occurred to me later: to hide his blood.

Brad looked scared until he saw me and his spiritual advisor, who sits on my left. Now he smiles. He tries to face us, which is difficult because of the last restraint: a light-colored strap, like an Ace bandage, that secures his chin and jaw to the chair. He keeps mouthing words until we understand him. “I’m okay. I love you. I’m okay.”

Sick with rage

Focused on Brad, I miss the wardens’ cue. I have to read Brad’s last words. I stand and cross to a microphone mounted on the wall. “I want my closing statement to be one of love and a calling to my fellow Christians to help us end the death penalty,” I begin. Brad wrote this knowing it would be spoken only if his death was certain. He pleads now for his 28 friends still on death row. I recite the scriptures Brad selected and his closing prayer: “We are now under God’s grace and mercy.”

When I sit back down, Brad is still smiling. I am sick with rage. South Carolina is my home. Before last fall, we’d had no executions for 13 years. Brad will be the fourth man killed in less than six months. The three before lingered on the gurney for 20 minutes. Brad was sentenced to death for the 2001 beating deaths of his ex-girlfriend’s parents, David and Gladys Larke. Brad always acknowledged that he did it. We argued, unsuccessfully, that he deserved a reprieve because of his severe mental illness. To avoid the electric chair, Brad had to choose between lethal injection and the firing squad, which no state has used since 2010.

I know because I am chief of the Capital Habeas Unit for the appellate jurisdiction of the Fourth Circuit, which includes South Carolina. I previously worked at the capital habeas unit in Georgia.

I agreed to witness so that Brad would not be alone. But I cannot believe what we are about to see.

I make myself smile. I hold Brad’s eyes, my hand over my heart, until someone – I do not see who – pulls a black hood over his head. Ours are the last faces he sees.

The execution

When I entered the witness room, I was given a plastic sauce cup that held two orange earplugs. As the black curtain opposite Brad rises – exposing three square ports – I jam them in my ears.

I peer inside the ports. I cannot see even the tips of the rifles. I look back to Brad. His breathing has slowed. He is trying to still himself. The wait is agony. I do not want this to happen. But I do not want Brad enduring endless seconds in darkness and fear.

A wound opens on his chest before the sound reaches us. The target is gone. Maybe the bullets vaporized it. Maybe they pushed it into the fist-sized hole streaming blood over Brad’s stomach and into his lap. Blood flows from Brad’s dying heart steadily, with occasional spills. Like someone tipped a glass behind his broken ribs, sloshing onto his black shirt, which conceals red very well.

When the sound arrives, it is a chorus of explosions. Each of the three bullets makes its own noise, with its own echo, and cuts through the foam to ring in my ears. For a second, they stop my heart.

Brad’s body shudders. His arm launches forward, pulling on the restraints with all of his strength. For a second, I think he will break free and press his hands over the hole, holding and pushing himself back together. He heaves twice, his stomach rising. The blood still flows as his arm, trembling with the strain, starts to slacken and twitch.

I have shifted forward in my seat, preparing to jump to my feet. Today, I memorized telephone numbers for the first time in decades; I could use the prison’s phone if anything went wrong. Watching Brad’s struggling arm, I know that everything has gone wrong. But no call can fix it.

A man enters the chamber with a stethoscope. I stare at the hole’s tattered edges and the glistening, saturated front of Brad’s shirt. His chest still moves as the doctor nears.

The doctor leans in, the stethoscope poised. Then he straightens and steps back. He stands at ease but ready, a posture I recognize. He has to wait. But not for long. After a moment, when Brad seems still, he leans in again, darting the stethoscope from place to place. When he steps back again, he turns away and nods. The wardens return. The curtain races back across the window, hiding Brad’s slumped and stained body. A voice tells us to leave. I am supposed to stand. I don’t remember how.

Bo King is chief of the Capital Habeas Unit for the Fourth Circuit, which is part of the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.

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South-Carolina

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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: