South Carolina Executes Richard Moore Despite Widespread Calls for Mercy

On Friday, November 1, 2024, South Carolina carried out the execution of Richard Moore by lethal injection, marking the end of a highly contentious case. Moore was convicted for the fatal shooting of a store clerk in 1999. Despite widespread pleas for clemency and reduction of his sentence to life in prison, the execution proceeded as scheduled.

The calls for mercy were extensive, with various groups and individuals advocating for a commutation of Moore’s sentence. However, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declined to grant clemency, paving the way for the execution to take place.

In the hours leading up to the execution, supporters and advocates held a vigil in solidarity with Moore. South Carolinians for Alternative to the Death Penalty were among those who organized the vigil, highlighting the ongoing debate over capital punishment in the state.

Moore’s last words before his execution were also reported, adding a poignant note to the culmination of his case. The execution has sparked renewed discussions about the death penalty and its application in South Carolina.