South Carolina has carried out the execution of Steven Bryant, a convicted murderer who maintained his innocence until his final moments for the brutal 1994 killing of 24-year-old Tonya Woods.
The 63-year-old inmate was pronounced dead at 7:10pm local time on Tuesday after receiving a lethal injection at Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, marking the state's fourth execution this year.
The Chilling Evidence
Bryant's conviction centred around one of the most disturbing pieces of evidence in South Carolina's legal history. Prosecutors revealed he had kept a vial containing his victim's blood, accompanied by a handwritten note that read: "catch me if you can".
This macabre trophy was discovered during the investigation into Woods' murder. The young woman had been stabbed multiple times in what authorities described as a particularly vicious attack.
Final Words and Last Meal
In his final statement, Bryant continued to deny involvement in the crime. "I'm innocent. I didn't kill nobody. That's all I got to say," he stated moments before the lethal drugs were administered.
For his last meal, Bryant requested a special spread including a bacon cheeseburger, french fries, cola, and a slice of lemon meringue pie - a stark contrast to the grim nature of his final hours.
Victim's Family Finds Closure
Family members of Tonya Woods witnessed the execution, seeking closure after nearly three decades of pain. The Woods family had long awaited justice for their loved one, whose life was tragically cut short in such violent circumstances.
South Carolina's execution protocol has faced scrutiny in recent years, but officials confirmed this procedure was carried out without complications. The state continues to face debates about capital punishment methods and their implementation.
Bryant's execution marks another chapter in South Carolina's complex history with the death penalty, raising ongoing questions about justice, punishment, and closure for victims' families.
