Friday, the state of South Carolina issued a death warrant for Brad Sigmon, scheduling his execution for March 7.
In response, Gerald “Bo” King, Chief of the Capital Habeas Unit for the Fourth Circuit, which is part of the Federal Public Defender’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina, issued the following statement on behalf of Brad’s legal team, which includes Josh Kendrick of Kendrick Leonard:
“The Brad Sigmon who South Carolina plans to execute in four weeks is a caring man and devout Christian who works every day to atone for the deaths of Gladys and David Larke.
After a childhood of physical abuse and neglect, Brad succumbed to a severe, inherited mental illness. At that time, his condition went undiagnosed and untreated. The nature of the crime and his behavior at trial was the product of this disorder.
Brad is deeply remorseful. In prison, Brad has dedicated himself to the penitence that his faith commands, praying at all times for forgiveness. He has become a wellspring of strength for his family and his fellow prisoners. A model prisoner, his respectfulness and reliability has earned the trust of those who guard him.
Brad would be the oldest person ever executed by South Carolina. Executing Brad would serve no purpose except to send a single, chilling message: no matter how profoundly a person repents, South Carolina refuses to recognize redemption.”
