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
'Filipino Towns' around the US preserve history and raise community's visibility

Filipino American Communities Across the US Preserve Heritage and Elevate Cultural Awareness

Four centuries ago, Filipinos first set foot on North American soil. Today,…
Epstein flight manifests revealed as House committee releases docs, transcript with former US attorney

House Committee Unveils Epstein Flight Manifests and Transcript with Former U.S. Attorney

On Friday, the House Oversight Committee unveiled a transcript of an interview…
With no takers yet, White House meets with colleges still weighing an agreement with Trump

White House Seeks College Partners as Trump Agreement Awaits Approval

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Friday, five universities deliberating over President Donald Trump’s…
Matthew Cuadra, April Valencia killed, 3 hurt in car crash near 75th and Vincennes in Greater Grand Crossing, Chicago: officials

Tragic Car Accident in Greater Grand Crossing: Two Dead, Three Injured Near 75th and Vincennes, Chicago Officials Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — A tragic accident on Chicago’s South Side claimed two…
How university indoctrination turned deadly, and why one scholar says it’s only getting worse

Deadly Consequences: Scholar Warns of Escalating University Indoctrination Crisis

The tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a violent school…
Chicago downtown shooting: 14-year-old boy shot, injured near Adams, Wells in the Loop downtown, police say

Teenager Wounded in Chicago Downtown Shooting Near Adams and Wells, Authorities Report

In a troubling incident that unfolded in downtown Chicago on Friday afternoon,…
Execution set for twisted killer who taunted police with message in victim's blood: 'Catch me if u can'

Infamous ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Killer Faces Execution: Justice for Chilling Crime Taunting Police with Blood Message

A man on death row in South Carolina is facing execution next…
Remains of last female Hamas hostage and IDF soldier handed over to Israel

Israel Receives Remains of Final Female Hamas Hostage and IDF Soldier

Amb. Waltz: No one will be left behind in Gaza U.S. Ambassador…
National Guard intervenes as suspect swings foot-long kitchen knife in violent DC street brawl

National Guard Steps In After Knife-Wielding Suspect Sparks Violent DC Altercation

In Southeast Washington, D.C., a violent altercation erupted on Wednesday night, prompting…
UVU professor and former FBI agent warns of new pattern of political violence after Charlie Kirk assassination

Left-Wing Academics Intensify Critique of Charlie Kirk’s Legacy Following His Assassination

Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem…
Hamas Reprisals: Terror Group Accused of Killing Pregnant Woman, 5-Year-Old in Gaza

Hamas Retaliations: Accusations Arise Over Killing of Pregnant Woman and Child in Gaza

A venomous snake’s nature is to be feared, and in this instance,…
President Donald Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow National Guard deployment in Chicago area

Trump Administration Requests Supreme Court’s Approval for National Guard Presence in Chicago

The Trump administration has taken its disagreement with Democratic governors to the…