Mikal Dean Madi, 42, was executed by firing squad in South Carolina on April 11, 2025, marking a rare use of this execution method in the U.S. His final meal included ribeye steak and cheesecake, but he offered no last words before facing the grim fate that awaited him.
Madi’s violent journey began in 2004 when he stole a pistol and went on a crime spree that left two victims dead. His first murder occurred in a North Carolina convenience store, where he shot clerk Christopher Bogs without hesitation. Just days later, he ambushed police captain James Meyers, brutally killing him and setting his body on fire.
After a lengthy legal battle, Madi was sentenced to death in 2006. Despite claims of a traumatic childhood and mental health issues, the jury found his actions too horrific to warrant mercy. Madi’s life behind bars was marred by further violence, including a plot to 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 a correctional officer.
Years passed without executions in South Carolina due to 𝒹𝓇𝓊𝑔 shortages, but the state reintroduced the firing squad, giving Madi a choice of execution methods. He chose the firing squad, believing it to be the quickest option.
On execution day, Madi’s last meal was a lavish spread, but he remained silent as he faced the firing squad. Witnesses reported a chilling scene as he was strapped into a chair, a target pinned to his chest, and a hood placed over his head.
At 6:01 p.m., the execution began with three corrections officers firing simultaneously. Eyewitnesses described a disturbing reaction as Madi gasped and struggled after being shot, a haunting moment that lingered long after his death was pronounced.
Madi’s execution is a stark reminder of the brutal realities of the death penalty in America, raising questions about justice, morality, and the legacy of violence that plagued his life. As South Carolina continues to navigate the complexities of capital punishment, Madi’s fate serves as a chilling chapter in the ongoing debate.