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
BTK killer's daughter calls him 'subhuman' after final prison confrontation ends relationship

BTK Killer’s Daughter Denounces Father as ‘Subhuman’ in Emotional Final Prison Visit

Almost two decades after Dennis Rader was incarcerated, his daughter, Kerri Rawson,…
JD Vance Challenges Dems to Denounce Mamdani Appearing With 1993 WTC Bombing 'Unindicted Co-Conspirator'

JD Vance Urges Democrats to Condemn Mamdani for Association with Controversial 1993 WTC Bombing Figure

As previously noted, Vice President JD Vance took the stage at Camp…
The Great Lakes: Protecting Our Natural Wonder from pollution, climate change, invasive species, overuse

Safeguarding the Great Lakes: Tackling Pollution, Climate Change, and Invasive Species for a Sustainable Future

Chicago’s Lake Michigan is often hailed as a natural marvel, offering residents…
Medicare costs are rising in 2026. Here's how to save during open enrollment

Unlock Savings: Navigate Rising Medicare Costs with Expert Tips for 2026 Open Enrollment

According to a recent survey by NerdWallet, nearly 64% of Americans are…
Sam Rivers, bass player for Limp Bizkit, has died at 48, the band says

Limp Bizkit Confirms Passing of Bassist Sam Rivers at Age 48

The world of metal music is mourning the loss of Sam Rivers,…
South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access

Historic Breakthrough: South African Rowers of Color Make Waves at the Prestigious Charles Regatta

BOSTON (AP) — In a groundbreaking moment, a group of four rowers…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declares Oct. 19 'Love Your Lungs Day' as doctors gather at McCormick Place for CHEST conference

Chicago Mayor Proclaims ‘Love Your Lungs Day’ on Oct. 19 Amid Major CHEST Conference at McCormick Place

Thousands of medical professionals have gathered in Chicago this weekend to focus…

Remembering Sam Rivers: Limp Bizkit Bassist’s Impactful Legacy Lives On at 48

Sam Rivers, the bassist and a founding member of the iconic band…
Convicted child killer of Etan Patz must be retried by June deadline or walk free from custody: judge

Urgent Retrial Deadline Looms for Convicted Child Killer of Etan Patz: Freedom at Stake

In a significant development, a federal judge has ruled that a man…
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Ex-MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away Following Motorcycle Accident

CARACAS (AP) — Venezuelan Jesús Montero, who once graced the fields with…
The Receipts Have Dropped: Tulsi Gabbard Posts Russiagate Evidence Obama Had Been Fearing

Obama’s Presidential Center Post Sparks Wave of Entertaining Reactions

Have you caught wind of the latest developments regarding Barack Obama’s presidential…
Thieves steal several pieces of French Crown Jewels collection inside the infamous Louvre in Paris, France

Heist at the Louvre: French Crown Jewels Stolen in Bold Theft

In a daring heist that unfolded in mere minutes, thieves targeted the…