South Carolina Firing Squad Execution Botched: Lawyers Claim Bullets Mostly Missed Inmate’s Heart
A pathologist’s report commissioned by Mikal Mahdi’s attorneys claims his April 11th firing squad execution was botched. Only two bullet wounds were found, suggesting the shooters missed the intended target area, resulting in a prolonged and painful death estimated at 30-60 seconds. The autopsy lacked crucial evidence, including X-rays and detailed photos, hindering independent verification of the state’s claim that three bullets struck Mahdi. Attorneys argue this contradicts the state’s assurance of a humane execution and calls into question the training and oversight of the process.
John Q. Hosedrinker