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Stephen Corey Bryant (April 12, 1981 – November 14, 2025)
Early Life & Background
Stephen Corey Bryant was born on April 12, 1981, in South Carolina, United States. Though publicly available details about his childhood are limited, court documents and media reports during his trial later cited a history of childhood abuse, including sexual and physical violence, and prenatal exposure to substances, which his defence attorneys argued left him with long-term cognitive and emotional impairments.
The Crime Spree: October 2004
In early October 2004, Stephen Bryant embarked on a brief yet deadly crime spree in rural Sumter County, South Carolina. Over a period of about eight days he is known to have killed three men and seriously injured a fourth.
- One victim, Willard “TJ” Tietjen Jr., was shot inside his home after Stephen Bryant visited under the pretense of car trouble; prosecutors said Bryant burned the victim’s eyes and used the victim’s blood to write “catch me if u can” on the wall.
- Two other victims were acquaintances with whom Bryant had given rides; in those cases he allegedly shot them in the back while they were urinating along a roadside.
Legal Proceedings & Sentencing
Stephen Bryant was arrested and stood trial for the murders. On September 11, 2008, he was sentenced to death for the murder of Tietjen, plus two life sentences for the other murders.
During the sentencing phase, Bryant’s legal team emphasized his traumatic background and alleged brain damage from substance exposure, arguing it should mitigate his culpability. Nevertheless, the prosecution argued the killings were calculated and merciless, securing the death penalty.
Execution & Latest Update
On November 14, 2025, Stephen Bryant was executed by firing squad at the South Carolina Department of Corrections’ death chamber in Columbia. Stephen Bryant was 44 years old at the time of execution.
Key details of the execution:
- Bryant opted for firing squad, choosing it over lethal injection or electrocution.
- He was pronounced dead at 6:05 pm local time.
- Stephen Bryant execution marked the third firing-squad execution in South Carolina in 2025 and the seventh execution in the state since executions resumed after a 13-year hiatus.
- No last words were recorded, and his appeals had been exhausted.
Significance & Broader Context
Stephen Bryant case shows several key issues in criminal justice and capital-punishment policy:
- Resumption of executions: South Carolina had experienced a 13-year moratorium on executions due to drug procurement problems for lethal injection; Bryant’s execution falls into the renewed phase of capital punishment in the state.
- Firing squad as method: The choice of firing squad is notable given its rarity in the U.S.; South Carolina now joins a few states where inmates may choose firing squad, electrocution or injection.
- Trauma and culpability debate: The defence’s emphasis on Stephen Bryant childhood trauma and brain impairment raises ongoing debates about how mental health and early abuse factor into sentencing and death-penalty eligibility.
- Deterrence & ethics: The case has been referenced by opponents of the death penalty who question whether such executions make the public safer or reflect justice.
Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 12 1981 | Birth of Stephen Corey Bryant |
| Oct 5-13 2004 | Crime spree in Sumter County: 3 murdered, 1 injured |
| Sept 11 2008 | Sentenced to death + life sentences |
| Nov 14 2025 | Executed by firing squad in Columbia, South Carolina |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who were the victims?
A: The primary victim referenced in media is Willard “TJ” Tietjen Jr.; other victims include acquaintances from the same region.
Q: Why did Bryant choose the firing squad?
A: South Carolina law gives death row inmates a choice of execution methods; Bryant selected the firing squad, reportedly for reasons not fully detailed in public reports.
Q: Was there clemency?
A: No. The governor of South Carolina denied clemency; the state has not granted clemency to a death row inmate since the death penalty resumed in 1976.
Q: What does this say about capital punishment in SC?
A: It underscores that the state is actively resuming executions, and that methods such as firing squad are being used more frequently. The broader debate around the method’s humanity and effectiveness remains heated.
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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