Two South Carolina legislators, Rep. Justin Bamberg (D) and Rep. Neal Collins (R), have called for an independent investigation into the execution of Mikal Mahdi, who was executed by firing squad on April 11. Mahdi’s autopsy reportedly revealed that the bullets missed his heart, resulting in severe pain before he died. The lawmakers, while acknowledging Mahdi’s crimes, emphasized that their request aims to maintain public confidence in the state’s justice system under the rule of law. They seek to suspend the option of firing squad executions until the review is complete.
Officials from the South Carolina Department of Corrections maintain that the execution was carried out properly. They reported that all three guns fired, yet questions remain due to discrepancies in the autopsy findings, including only two distinct bullet wounds and suggestions that one shot missed entirely. This contrasts with the autopsy of a prior firing squad execution, where more distinct wounds were documented. The execution of Mahdi was particularly troubling, as witnesses claimed he cried out in pain when the shots were fired.
Further scrutiny is placed on the autopsy process itself; Bamberg and Collins criticized the lack of X-rays, limited photographic documentation, and an insufficient examination of Mahdi’s clothing, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the autopsy. Veteran pathologists have expressed skepticism about the findings, suggesting that they appear more superficial than comprehensive. Additional legislative requests include allowing a lawmaker to attend executions as a witness, expanding oversight of the execution process.
Amid these developments, the state is facing a looming execution date for another inmate, Stephen Stanko, potentially soon setting the stage for legal challenges regarding execution methods.
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