South Carolina Offers Death Row Inmate Richard Moore Choice of Execution Methods Amid Legal Appeals

Tuesday marked a significant development for death row inmate Richard Moore, as South Carolina prison officials presented him with options for his upcoming execution scheduled for November 1. Moore is facing the death penalty for the September 1999 shooting of store clerk James Mahoney. In an effort to reduce his sentence, Moore plans to seek mercy from Governor Henry McMaster, a request that has not been granted to any inmate in the modern era of the death penalty in South Carolina.

Execution Options Presented to Moore

South Carolina prison officials have informed 59-year-old Richard Moore that he has the choice between a firing squad, the electric chair, and lethal injection as methods for his execution on November 1. Moore is legally required to make his decision by October 18; otherwise, he will automatically be subjected to electrocution.

This upcoming execution will mark the second one in South Carolina following a 13-year hiatus, a pause attributed to the state’s inability to procure the necessary pharmaceutical for lethal injection. Moore's case stems from a tragic incident in September 1999, where he, armed with a gun obtained from store clerk James Mahoney during a robbery gone awry, was involved in a shootout that left Mahoney fatally wounded and Moore himself injured.

The circumstances surrounding Moore's conviction have raised significant legal questions. His legal counsel has pointed out that Moore is the only individual on South Carolina's death row to have been convicted by a jury devoid of African American members. Furthermore, if executed, Moore would also be the first person in modern South Carolina history to be put to death for initially being unarmed and subsequently defending himself when confronted with a weapon.

State Preparedness for Execution

Director of South Carolina Corrections Bryan Stirling announced that the state’s electric chair has been tested and is operational, while the firing squad is equipped with the necessary ammunition and training. Additionally, the lethal injection drug has been deemed pure by technicians at the state crime lab. These developments were conveyed to Moore in a certified letter, affirming the state’s readiness to proceed with the execution as planned.

The return to lethal injection as a method of execution in South Carolina was facilitated by the passage of a shield law, which enabled the state to procure the requisite drug after a hiatus. The state recently executed Freddie Owens on September 20, employing the newly acquired drug for lethal injection.

Legal Appeals and Attempt for Clemency

Moore is actively pursuing legal avenues to halt his execution, appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court in a bid to secure a stay. His legal representatives have emphasized the unique nature of his case, highlighting the absence of African Americans from the jury that convicted him. In a broader context, Moore's plea for mercy from Governor McMaster represents a pivotal moment in his quest to evade the death penalty. However, it is noteworthy that no governor in South Carolina has granted clemency to any inmate in the contemporary landscape of capital punishment.

Changes in South Carolina’s Death Row Population

Over the years, South Carolina has witnessed a significant reduction in its death row population. From a peak of 63 condemned inmates in early 2011, the number has dwindled to 31. This decrease is attributed to various factors, including successful appeals that led to the re-sentencing of approximately 20 inmates, as well as the natural demise of others.

Richard Moore’s Character and Conduct in Prison

Despite the gravity of his situation, Richard Moore has maintained a clean record during his incarceration, devoid of any violations. Moreover, he has expressed a willingness to contribute positively to the prison environment by aiding in the rehabilitation of other inmates, should he be permitted to do so.