Challenges Faced by Brad Sigmon: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Brad Sigmon. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Brad Keith Sigmon was an American convicted murderer executed for the 2001 double murder of his ex-girlfriend's parents, David and Gladys Larke, in South Carolina. He bludgeoned the couple to death with a baseball bat on April 27, 2001, approximately a week after his breakup with their daughter. Sigmon's case gained notoriety due to the brutality of the crime.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

May 29, 1976: Armed Robbery Charge

On May 29, 1976, at the age of 18, Brad Sigmon's criminal activity began in Greer with an armed robbery charge.

November 17, 1990: Shooting Incident

On November 17, 1990, Brad Sigmon was treated at a Clarendon County hospital after being shot multiple times in the stomach while breaking into his wife's home in Manning due to a domestic dispute. His son was also injured by a bullet in the arm.

April 26, 2001: Planning the Crime

On April 26, 2001, Brad Sigmon spent the night drinking alcohol and consuming cocaine with Eugene Strube. During that time, Sigmon disclosed his plan to go to the Larkes' house to tie up Rebecca Barbare's parents and "get a hold of" Barbare when she returned from taking her children to school.

April 27, 2001: Double Murder Conviction

On April 27, 2001, Brad Sigmon committed the double murder of David and Gladys Larke, his ex-girlfriend's parents, by bludgeoning them to death with a baseball bat.

2001: Kidnapping and Attempted Murder

In 2001, Sigmon forced Rebecca Barbare into a 2001 Honda Passport at gunpoint, planning to drive her to North Carolina. Barbare escaped, and Sigmon shot at her but failed to prevent her escape. She was then treated at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

July 2002: Murder Trial

In July 2002, Brad Sigmon stood trial for two counts of murder and first-degree burglary, admitting his guilt to the jury.

July 20, 2002: Death Sentence

On July 20, 2002, the jury unanimously sentenced Brad Sigmon to death for both counts of murder. He also received 30 years in prison for the burglary charge.

December 19, 2005: Appeal Rejected

On December 19, 2005, the South Carolina Supreme Court rejected Brad Sigmon's direct appeal against his death sentences and double murder conviction.

May 8, 2013: Second Appeal Rejected

On May 8, 2013, Brad Sigmon's second appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court was rejected.

September 30, 2018: First Federal Appeal Dismissed

On September 30, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina dismissed Brad Sigmon's first federal appeal.

April 14, 2020: 4th Circuit Appeal Rejected

On April 14, 2020, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Brad Sigmon's appeal.

January 11, 2021: Final Appeal Dismissed

On January 11, 2021, Brad Sigmon's final appeal was dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

February 5, 2021: Stay of Execution

On February 5, 2021, one week before his scheduled execution, Brad Sigmon was issued an indefinite stay of execution by the South Carolina Supreme Court due to the state lacking the necessary drugs for lethal injection.

May 13, 2022: Rescheduled Execution Date

Brad Sigmon's third death warrant was issued, rescheduling his execution date to May 13, 2022. However, he received another stay of execution due to a lawsuit against the electric chair and firing squad execution methods.

2023: Lawsuit Against Execution Methods

In 2023, Brad Sigmon was among several death row prisoners who filed a lawsuit against South Carolina over the state's decision to introduce the firing squad and electric chair as alternative execution methods, arguing they were unconstitutional.

July 31, 2024: Lawsuit Dismissed

On July 31, 2024, the South Carolina Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit against the electric chair and firing squad, upholding their constitutionality. This decision affected all 32 inmates on the state's death row, including Sigmon.

November 14, 2024: Temporary Respite Granted

On November 14, 2024, the South Carolina Supreme Court granted a temporary respite to the inmates, agreeing not to sign any new death warrants until at least January 3, 2025.

February 21, 2025: Sigmon appeals to SC Supreme Court and chooses firing squad

On February 21, 2025, Brad Sigmon appealed to the South Carolina Supreme Court to present more evidence of brain damage, mental illness, and childhood trauma, arguing these factors made him ineligible for capital punishment. On the same day, February 21, 2025, Sigmon chose to be executed by firing squad.

February 27, 2025: Sigmon appeals to SC Supreme Court to delay execution

On February 27, 2025, after the release of Marion Bowman's autopsy report, Sigmon appealed to the South Carolina Supreme Court to further delay his execution, seeking more information about the lethal injection drug and procedure.