Brad Keith Sigmon was executed by firing squad on March 7, 2025, after spending over two decades on death row for the brutal murders of David and Glattis Lark in 2001. His execution marks a grim chapter in South Carolina’s history, raising renewed debates over the death penalty and its moral implications.
Sigmon’s violent past began when his relationship with Rebecca Lark soured, leading to an obsession that spiraled into murder. After being evicted from the trailer he shared with Rebecca, Sigmon plotted revenge, believing he could reclaim her by any means necessary.
On April 27, 2001, Sigmon brutally attacked Rebecca’s parents, David and Glattis, with a baseball bat, delivering fatal blows that left them gasping for life. The horrific scene unfolded as he awaited Rebecca’s return, ultimately leading to an attempted kidnapping that left her injured but alive.
Following the murders, Sigmon fled but was apprehended after a phone call to his mother led police to him. His confession revealed the chilling details of his crimes. Despite a troubled upbringing marked by violence and instability, his defense argued for compassion, but the jury was unmoved.
In 2002, Sigmon was sentenced to death, and for years, he languished on death row. South Carolina’s execution methods shifted over time, leading to the reintroduction of the firing squad as a choice for condemned inmates. Sigmon ultimately chose this fate, believing it to be less cruel than other options.
On the day of his execution, Sigmon requested a final meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and cheesecake, expressing a desire to share with fellow inmates. His last words called for an end to the death penalty, urging forgiveness over vengeance.
At 6:00 p.m., Sigmon was strapped into the execution chair, a hood placed over his head, and a target affixed to his heart. Witnesses held their breath as the firing squad, armed with high-impact rifles, prepared to carry out the sentence.
At 6:01 p.m., the execution commenced. Witnesses reported that Sigmon appeared to mouth the words, “I’m okay,” just before the shots rang out. The impact was immediate, and a dark bloom of blood spread across his chest.
After a tense wait, a doctor confirmed that Sigmon was pronounced dead at 6:08 p.m., marking the end of a life filled with violence and tragedy. At 67, he became the oldest person executed in South Carolina since the death penalty’s return, leaving behind a haunting legacy that continues to provoke discussion on justice and morality.