What's happened
Stephen Stanko, sentenced to death for murdering his friend and committing horrific acts against his girlfriend and her daughter, is set to be executed by lethal injection today at 6 p.m. in South Carolina. His lawyers are pursuing last-minute appeals citing concerns over execution methods.
What's behind the headline?
Execution Methods and Legal Challenges
- Stanko's decision to opt for lethal injection over the firing squad was influenced by recent controversies surrounding execution methods in South Carolina.
- His lawyers argue that previous executions have shown signs of suffering, claiming that inmates felt like they were drowning due to improper administration of lethal injection drugs.
- The state maintains that execution procedures are sound, with witnesses reporting that inmates lost consciousness quickly.
Broader Implications
- Stanko's case highlights ongoing debates about the death penalty in the U.S., particularly regarding humane execution methods.
- As the sixth execution in South Carolina in nine months, it raises questions about the state's approach to capital punishment and the potential for reform.
- The outcome of Stanko's execution could influence future legal challenges and public opinion on the death penalty.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Stanko's attorneys claim that the lethal injection process has resulted in lingering deaths, with inmates feeling as if they were drowning. They cite the recent execution of Mikal Mahdi, where the firing squad reportedly missed its target, leading to a prolonged death. In contrast, state officials argue that previous executions have been conducted without issues, stating that witnesses observed inmates losing consciousness within minutes. AP News corroborates these details, emphasizing the legal battles surrounding Stanko's execution and the lack of clemency granted by the governor in recent history. The Independent also notes that Stanko's execution is part of a broader trend of increased executions across the U.S. this year, with multiple states carrying out capital punishment more frequently.
How we got here
Stanko's crimes date back to 2005 when he killed his friend Henry Turner and assaulted his girlfriend and her daughter. He was sentenced to death and has faced multiple legal challenges regarding the execution methods used in South Carolina.
Go deeper
- What crimes did Stephen Stanko commit?
- How has the public reacted to his execution?
- What are the legal arguments against the death penalty?
More on these topics
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South Carolina is a state in the Southeastern United States and the easternmost of the Deep South. It is bordered to the north by North Carolina, to the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the southwest by Georgia across the Savannah River.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Henry Dargan McMaster is an American politician, attorney and member of the Republican Party, who is the 117th Governor of South Carolina, in office since January 24, 2017.