On Friday evening, South Carolina carried out the execution of Stephen Bryant, a man convicted for the brutal killings of three individuals over a period of five days more than two decades ago. At 44 years old, Bryant was executed by firing squad, marking him as the third inmate put to death in this manner within the state this year.
Details of the Execution
Bryant’s execution took place at 6:05 p.m. Three prison staff members, equipped with live ammunition, volunteered to conduct the firing squad execution. His crimes include the murder of Willard “TJ” Tietjen in 2004, a case characterized by its violence where Bryant wrote “catch me if u can” on the wall using the victim’s blood.
Background of the Crimes
During a spree of violence in October 2004, Bryant not only killed Tietjen but also shot two other men who were relieving themselves by the roadside. This crime wave instilled fear in Sumter County, as Bryant’s actions escalated rapidly within those weeks.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
- Bryant’s attorneys filed a last-minute appeal, citing severe brain damage caused by his mother’s drug and alcohol use during pregnancy.
- The South Carolina Supreme Court declined to review his death sentence in October.
Execution Methods and Trends
In March, South Carolina executed an inmate by firing squad for the first time in 15 years. This year, three out of five executions in the state used this method. This trend is a response to a prolonged 13-year pause in executions due to difficulties in acquiring lethal injection drugs.
Background on South Carolina Executions
- Since resuming executions, South Carolina has put to death seven individuals in the past 14 months.
- No governor in the state has granted clemency since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
- Executions across the United States are increasing, reversing a decline during the pandemic.
As of 2025, at least 14 more executions are scheduled throughout the year, continuing a controversial trend in capital punishment.
