Mikall Dean Madi, a 42-year-old inmate, 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 last meal included ribeye steak and cheesecake, but his final moments were harrowing, leaving witnesses in shock.
Madi’s violent history began in 2004 when he stole a pistol and committed murder during a robbery in North Carolina. He shot 29-year-old clerk Christopher Bogs in cold blood, then turned his violence towards police captain James Meyers, killing him and setting his body ablaze just days later.
After a lengthy legal battle, Madi was sentenced to death in 2006 for Meyers’ murder. His defense argued childhood trauma and mental health issues, but the jury was unmoved. He later received a life sentence for Bogs’ murder, compounding his notorious criminal record.
Years of appeals followed, but Madi’s death sentence remained intact. In 2009, he attempted to murder a correctional officer while on death row, further solidifying his reputation as a dangerous inmate. The state’s struggle to obtain lethal injection drugs led to the reintroduction of the firing squad as an execution method.
On March 14, 2025, Madi was issued a death warrant, allowing him to choose between lethal injection, electrocution, or firing squad. Opting for the firing squad, he believed it to be the quickest method of execution, a choice that would seal his fate.
Madi’s last meal was a lavish spread, including ribeye steak and sweet tea. On execution day, he was strapped into a chair, a target pinned to his chest. Witnesses reported a chilling atmosphere as prison staff prepared to carry out the execution, which took place at 6:01 p.m.
As the officers fired, Madi reportedly let out a sharp yell, a sound that echoed in the execution chamber. Witnesses described his body reacting violently to the gunfire, gasping for breath as he struggled for life. The execution was over in minutes, but the impact of the moment lingered.
At 6:05 p.m., Madi was pronounced dead, ending a life marked by violence and crime. His execution has reignited debates over the death penalty and the ethics of firing squads, leaving a community grappling with the aftermath of his brutal actions.
Madi’s story is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding capital punishment in America, raising questions about justice, morality, and the human cost of crime. As society reflects on this execution, the chilling details continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.