South Carolina to use execution by Firing Squad

[DWalt]

I just saw this report this morning. Condemned South Carolina killer chooses firing squad execution in what would be first use of that method in US in 15 years | CNN

 

[lihpster]

This about sums it up.

 

[Rudi]

Good. Cheap and efficient.

 

[Alk8944]

Quick, easy, effective, and zero recidivism.

The biggest problem with capital punishment is that we as a nation no longer have the cahones to use it. We don't want anyone to have to be the executioner, we are too cowardly! This business of allowing the condemned to choose the method is absolute BS. The method should be statutory.

I have always felt a person condemned of a capital crime should be put-to-death by the same method by which they committed the crime! Maybe that would give at least some potential killers pause, but capital punishment isn't, or shouldn't be, about deterrence, It is about justice for the victim. Locking a criminal up for life where they have lost nothing but freedom, but rather get "three hots and a cot", as well as recreation and medical care IS NOT JUSTICE.

If you have any question if capital punishment is right or wrong just read The Book.

 

[AJ]

Go back to public hangings in the county seat where the crime was committed. Would probably make some think twice about commiting the crime. Was good enough for our forbearers.

 

[Eric300]

Blindfold, cigarette, bullet. Perfect.

 

[steelslaver]

What gun and caliber is best for firing squads

 

[llowry61]

Wow, how do they find the shooters? I had no idea this was an option.

 

[alwslate]

What gun and caliber is best for firing squads

I think North Korea's leader used an anti tank gun on one of his family members.

 

[GypsmJim]

He should definitely NOT have a firing squad. Nor an electric chair, nor a lethal injection. Way too simple.

He should be taken out and beaten with a baseball bat, and made to suffer exactly how his murder victims suffered.

But then again, we should think about the executioner - whether it be the chair or surgeon with the needle or big guy with the bat. They must have feelings too.

Maybe the best way is to take him out in an airplane, and when in the middle of the ocean at 20,000 feet, let him jump. Look at the advantages - no funeral needed, no cemetery plot, no taxpayer expense. Plus, it would not be cruel and unusual. He now has the chance to survive...

 

[Bald1]

What gun and caliber is best for firing squads

Oh boy, that’s a whole separate thread. I assumed they would use 5.56 rifles. But maybe they’d use sniper rifles like 308 or 300 win mag.Bigger question is why does it take 20 yrs and why does he get to choose the method?

 

[ladder13]

Wow, how do they find the shooters? I had no idea this was an option.

At 15ft? Any senior center.

 

[AJ]

What gun and caliber is best for firing squads

Oh boy, that’s a whole separate thread. I assumed they would use 5.56 rifles. But maybe they’d use sniper rifles like 308 or 300 win mag.

What about a Quad 50?

 

[Eric300]

The Jullian Gallows is always a viable option. (Ala Tom Horn).

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ8HNs9_5ZE[/ame]

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Wow, how do they find the shooters? I had no idea this was an option.

From published articles my understanding is that South Carolina uses volunteers from the department of corrections employees. I would expect that a modest stipend will be added to their usual salaries, if selected for these positions. Identities are not released to the public. The firing squad performs their duty from a screened position that cannot be viewed by the witnesses, or even the condemned man.

In other states the positions are filled by lottery from volunteers, each paid a standard fee for that service. As I recall, the last firing squad execution in Utah years ago drew well over 100 applicants for every position. Practice sessions were required, marksmanship skills had to be demonstrated, rifles and ammunition provided by the state for the execution.

In this case under discussion it is truly a matter of option; the condemned was allowed to choose between lethal injection, electrocution, or firing squad under current South Carolina law. The man chose the firing squad.

Naturally, the attorneys for the condemned man are appealing the death sentence, particularly forcing the man to choose his own method of execution as being cruel and unusual punishment.

We will see what actually happens.

 

[dben002]

From published articles my understanding is that South Carolina uses volunteers from the department of corrections employees. I would expect that a modest stipend will be added to their usual salaries, if selected for these positions. Identities are not released to the public. The firing squad performs their duty from a screened position that cannot be viewed by the witnesses, or even the condemned man.

In other states the positions are filled by lottery from volunteers, each paid a standard fee for that service. As I recall, the last firing squad execution in Utah years ago drew well over 100 applicants for every position. Practice sessions were required, marksmanship skills had to be demonstrated, rifles and ammunition provided by the state for the execution.

In this case under discussion it is truly a matter of option; the condemned was allowed to choose between lethal injection, electrocution, or firing squad under current South Carolina law. The man chose the firing squad.

Naturally, the attorneys for the condemned man are appealing the death sentence, particularly forcing the man to choose his own method of execution as being cruel and unusual punishment.

We will see what actually happens.

How many shooters on the squad....

 

[LoboGunLeather]

How many shooters on the squad....

I'm sure that varies from state to state, either by statute or protocols established by the corrections departments. No set rules that I'm aware of.

Many years ago there were public executioners who travelled the country attending to such tasks. Some even had their own electric chairs and generator equipment. Executions were scheduled and a contract was entered for a specific date, the fees paid to include travel and other expenses.

Probably a limited career field.

 

[armadillo]

They better use lead-free bullets or OSHA will stop it.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

OR............They could just give him to me........Problem solved........No muss no fuss.

 

[Alk8944]

What gun and caliber is best for firing squads

In Utah years ago the DOC Rented Model '94 Winchesters in .30-30 from Gallenson's, a local pawn shop and sporting goods retailer in Salt Lake City. They reserved a group of guns for the DOC that they would not sell. They were used for several executions over the years. I don't know if they still have an agreement with DOC.

In reality, do either gun or caliber matter so long as they are adequate? The Model '94s were used because of their simplicity of use since the shooters selected for an execution were not necessarily particularly familiar with firearms, and the caliber was adequate. As I recall the firing squad consisted of 10 shooters. I do not know how the shooters were selected, but I do know they were supposedly not volunteers or prison employees.

I was the first responding officer on a robbery-homicide committed by Ronnie Lee Gardner, a career felon, in Salt Lake City in 1985. The victim was a part-time bartender who was fully compliant and was laying on his back on the floor when Gardner shot him in the face with a .44 Magnum! I wanted very badly to be on that firing squad!

In addition to the bartender Gardner murdered an attorney who was in the County Recorders office during an escape attempt from the District Courthouse. He had over-powered a prison guard who was one of his escorts from the prison and stole his gun. The attorney was just in the wrong place at the wrong time!