South Carolina death row inmate chooses lethal injection after firing squad controversy
Share this @internewscast.com

A man on death row in South Carolina, previously contemplating execution by firing squad, chose lethal injection instead on Friday after witnessing another prisoner struggle to die when bullets seemingly missed the heart.

Stephen Stanko was advised by his legal team that lethal injection might simulate the sensation of drowning, as pentobarbital floods the veins, causing fluid to surge into the lungs.

State-appointed medical experts claim the drugs induce unconsciousness before any pain is experienced, while inmate-hired specialists argue the fluid rush might mimic drowning sensations.

The U.S. Supreme Court denied a delay to his June 13 execution Wednesday that was requested so he could learn more about his options. 

Mikal Mahdi

Mikal Mahdi was executed in April.  (South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP)

Stanko had been sentenced to death twice for two separate murders. 

In April 2006, Stanko, 57, beat and strangled girlfriend Laura Ling to death and raped her teenage daughter and slit her throat. The daughter survived and testified against him at his trial. 

Hours after the murder, he went to his 74-year-old friend Henry Turner’s home, shot him to death and stole his truck. 

Stephen Stanko in court

Defense attorney Gerald Kelly confers with defendant Stephen Stanko during a pretrial hearing at the Georgetown County Courthouse in Georgetown, S.C., July 31, 2006.    (AP Photo/Tom Murray, Pool, File)

South Carolina resumed executions in September after a 13-year break after it ran out of lethal injection drugs and pharmacies refused to provide more unless a new secrecy law protected their privacy. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
DHS arrests five illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes, including murder and child abuse

DHS captures five undocumented individuals previously found guilty of severe offenses such as murder and child abuse

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security reported the detention of five…
Video still of a protestor appearing to fire a gun at agents.

Stunning Incident: Protester Allegedly Shoots at Officer During California ICE Raid on Cannabis Farm; FBI Offers $50k Reward for Information

A MASKED protester opened fire on federal agents during a tense immigration…
Prosecution's 'inconsistencies' in prep school murder trial led to suspect's acquittal: jury foreman

Jury Foreman: ‘Inconsistencies’ in Prosecution’s Case Resulted in Acquittal in Prep School Murder Trial

The jury’s foreman in Raul Valle’s murder trial, who was found not…
Andre Agassi snaps at commentator over celebrity Wimbledon questions

Andre Agassi Responds Firmly to Commentator’s Celebrity Wimbledon Inquiries

Andre Agassi is at Wimbledon to talk tennis, not to fawn over…
Mandatory evacuation orders in effect as 1,000-acre wildfire threatens Grand Canyon's North Rim

Evacuation Orders Issued as 1,000-Acre Wildfire Nears Grand Canyon’s North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is temporarily closed as mandatory…
Group of friends celebrating with sparklers and drinks at night.

Secret Drones Could Lead to $100k Fines for July 4 Celebrations in America

AMERICANS could be slapped with fines up to $100,000 depending on how…
Knicks fail first test to implement Mike Brown's vision

Knicks Struggle to Implement Mike Brown’s Strategy in Initial Test

LAS VEGAS — Mike Brown didn’t reveal much in his introductory news…
Aryna Sabalenka recalls testy Wimbledon exchange with Amanda Anisimova

Aryna Sabalenka Reflects on Tense Wimbledon Moment with Amanda Anisimova

Aryna Sabalenka is expanding on her perspective following a tense moment Thursday…
Military amphibious vehicles in the water.

Observe as a Massive Fleet of New Chinese ‘Tank Boats’ Takes to the Water Amid Taiwan’s Largest War Drills Yet

DRAMATIC footage captures a fleet of Chinese tank boats charging through the…
Plane crash-lands near St. Augustine airport

Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing Near St. Augustine Airport

St. Johns County Fire Rescue noted in a Facebook post that the…
Trump grants ICE ability to arrest protesters who attack agents after California pot farm raid

ICE Empowered to Arrest Protesters Following California Pot Farm Raid

President Trump declared on Friday that he is giving Immigration and Customs…
Trump Birthright Citizenship Block Explained

Understanding Trump’s Plan to End Birthright Citizenship

A federal judge appointed by George W. Bush has blocked President Trump’s…