South Carolina legislators, Rep. Justin Bamberg (D) and Rep. Neal Collins (R), have requested an investigation into the execution of Mikal Mahdi, conducted by firing squad on April 11. Concerns arose after Mahdi’s autopsy revealed the fatal shots missed his heart, possibly causing him severe pain for up to a minute before death. Although both representatives acknowledge Mahdi’s crimes, including the 2004 murder of an off-duty police officer, they emphasize the need for an inquiry to maintain public trust in the state’s execution process.
Prison officials assert that the execution was carried out properly, and Governor Henry McMaster expressed confidence in the Department of Corrections, rejecting calls for an investigation. However, the situation might revisit the courts as Stephen Stanko, another death row inmate, could soon face execution proceedings.
The autopsy findings have raised significant questions. It indicated that two bullets entered the body at the same point, suggesting that one shot missed entirely, contrary to physical laws. Witnesses reported Mahdi gasping and groaning during execution, implying he was conscious and in distress longer than expected.
Legislators criticized the lack of thorough documentation in Mahdi’s autopsy, alleging it lacked critical elements like imaging and comprehensive photographs. They argue that without proper investigations, transparency is compromised, potentially undermining the credibility of capital punishment methods in South Carolina. Additionally, they propose allowing a legislator as a witness during executions to enhance oversight.
Overall, the controversy around Mahdi’s execution highlights broader issues regarding the ethical and procedural integrity of capital punishment in the state, calling for reforms and increased scrutiny.
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