Sigmon made history in South Carolina by opting for the state’s new firing squad method of execution, becoming the first inmate to face death by shooting since 2010. In the death chamber, he will be secured to a chair, with a hood covering his head and a target positioned over his heart. From a distance of about 15 feet, three volunteers will take aim and fire at him through a small opening.
Sigmon’s heinous crime dates back to 2001 when he brutally murdered his ex-girlfriend Rebecca Barbare’s parents with a baseball bat in their Greenville County home. Under the influence of crack cocaine and alcohol, he expressed his intentions to a friend, revealing a chilling plan to seek revenge on his former partner for leaving him. The horrific details of the crime emerged during court proceedings, depicting a scene of unimaginable violence as Sigmon mercilessly attacked his victims in separate rooms, inflicting fatal blows upon them.
Following the merciless killings, Sigmon attempted to abduct his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint, but she managed to escape unharmed. In a disturbing confession, he admitted to his twisted motive, stating that he was determined to prevent anyone else from being with her. His intention to take Barbare’s life and his own was thwarted, leading to his eventual arrest and conviction.
As the first prisoner in the United States to face execution by firing squad in over a decade, Sigmon’s decision was driven by a belief that other methods of execution might entail greater suffering. His legal team highlighted his concerns in a motion filed with the South Carolina Supreme Court, emphasizing his desire to spare his loved ones and witnesses from additional anguish. Despite the harrowing nature of his impending fate, Sigmon sought to make the best choice amidst the state’s controversial execution practices.
With the uncertainty surrounding previous executions in South Carolina, Sigmon’s lawyers requested a postponement of his scheduled execution date to investigate the circumstances of Marion Bowman’s recent death row ordeal. Concerns were raised about the use of pentobarbital and the lack of transparency in the state’s procedures, adding further complexity to Sigmon’s already distressing situation.
Facing the reality of a violent and final end, Sigmon grappled with the weight of his decision, cognizant of the impact it would have on those present during his execution. Amidst the shadows of secrecy and legal battles, his fate loomed as a somber reminder of the grim realities within the criminal justice system.
