Mikal Mahdi Executed by Firing Squad in South Carolina

Mikal Mahdi, a convicted cop killer, was executed by firing squad in South Carolina on April 11, marking the state's second such execution in just over a month. Mahdi, 42, was sentenced to death for the 2004 murder of off-duty police officer Captain James Myers, whom he shot nine times and then set on fire, as well as for the murder of a convenience store clerk just days prior. He opted for the firing squad over lethal injection or the electric chair, fearing a painful death. Witnesses reported that Mahdi let out a yell as the shots were fired and exhibited signs of pain before being pronounced dead four minutes later. His execution followed the denial of clemency requests and appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. Mahdi's actions during a multi-state crime spree and his admission of guilt highlighted the severity of his crimes.