South Carolina Executes Inmate Mikal Mahdi by Firing Squad

News Summary

On April 11, 2025, South Carolina executed inmate Mikal Mahdi by firing squad, marking a controversial resurgence in the state’s use of capital punishment. Mahdi, sentenced for the 2004 murder of officer James Myers, faced a tumultuous past, including severe abuse and mental health issues. His execution follows a series of executions in South Carolina, driving public sentiment against the death penalty and stirring national debates regarding its ethics and humanity.

South Carolina Executes Inmate Mikal Mahdi by Firing Squad

Columbia, South Carolina – In a somber turn of events, South Carolina executed 41-year-old inmate Mikal Mahdi by firing squad on Friday, April 11, 2025, at precisely 6:05 p.m. This marks the second such execution in the state in just a matter of months, stirring a mix of emotions and controversy.

A Heartbreaking Past

Mikal Mahdi’s road to this fateful day began long before his heinous crime. He was sentenced to death for the 2004 ambush killing of James Myers, an off-duty public safety officer. In addition to Myers’ tragic death, Mahdi also pleaded guilty to the murder of another victim, Christopher Biggs, during other violent incidents. His childhood was riddled with complications: marked by severe physical and emotional abuse, episodes of suicidal thoughts, and time spent in solitary confinement in juvenile detention. These dark experiences paved a difficult path that many say could have led to the choices he made as an adult.

Execution Protocols and Last Moments

The execution process was conducted following strict protocols. As part of the procedure, a target was placed over Mahdi’s heart and a hood was placed over his head. Onlookers noted that Mahdi was shot three times in the heart by prison staff. Eyewitnesses reported that he cried out and groaned in the moments after being shot. Though he continued to breathe for approximately 80 seconds, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries less than four minutes later, leaving many to grapple with the implications of such an execution.

Legal Wranglings and Opposition

In the lead-up to his execution, Mahdi’s attorneys put forth arguments centered around his troubled upbringing and mental health issues, claiming he received ineffective legal representation during his trial. It is noteworthy that Mahdi’s original sentencing phase was remarkably brief, lasting only about 30 minutes and involving just two witnesses in contrast to the 28 presented by the prosecution. Unfortunately for Mahdi, appeals to halt the execution from both the South Carolina Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court were denied. Even a last-minute plea for clemency from Governor Henry McMaster was denied just minutes before the scheduled execution.

The Reinstatement of the Death Penalty

This execution is part of a troubling trend for South Carolina, which has seen a resurgence in its use of the death penalty. After a 13-year hiatus due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs, the state has moved to reinstate capital punishment. Interestingly, condemned inmates now have the option to choose between a firing squad, lethal injection, or the electric chair. Mahdi’s execution followed closely on the heels of Brad Sigmon’s firing squad execution on March 7, 2025, marking the first use of this method in the United States in over 15 years.

Public Sentiment and Activism

As news of the execution spread, anti-death penalty activists organized vigils and public demonstrations, urging the governor to reconsider his position on clemency for Mahdi. Activists pointed to his difficult upbringing and ongoing struggles with mental health as compelling reasons for a more compassionate approach. The method of execution itself, using a firing squad, has ignited debates regarding its ethics and humanity, with many referring to it as a “barbaric” practice that belongs in the past.

A Broader Context

Mahdi’s case is representative of a broader trend in South Carolina, which has conducted five executions within the past seven months. As conversations around capital punishment evolve, the future of such practices remains a hot-button topic in both state and national forums. For many, Mikal Mahdi’s story underscores the complexities of crime, punishment, and the ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty in the United States.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AP News
• New York Times
• USA Today
• The Guardian
• Wikipedia: Death Penalty in the United States