Mikal Mahdi's recent execution by firing squad in South Carolina was deemed botched following an autopsy revealing that shooters missed his heart. Only two bullets hit his body, damaging internal organs and delaying death while he remained conscious. Dr. Carl Wigren opined that this led to Mahdi experiencing pain for 30 to 60 seconds post-shot. This raised questions regarding the legality and humanity of the firing squad method, especially in light of earlier rulings from the South Carolina Supreme Court deeming it not cruel if death occurs within 15 seconds.
"He's not going to die instantaneously from this. I think that it took him some time to bleed out." - Dr. Carl Wigren, forensic pathologist.
"Mr. Mahdi did experience excruciating conscious pain and suffering for about 30 to 60 seconds after he was shot." - Dr. Jonathan Arden.
"The evidence before us convinces us... that the pain will not last longer than 15 seconds." - South Carolina Supreme Court.
"An autopsy revealed two wounds on his chest, not three. None of the bullets hit his heart directly." - Article summary.
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