US EditionJudge clears way for execution of South Carolina inmate who thinks most laws are unconstitutional
Judge Sprouse found Bixby capable of understanding legal proceedings and making decisions despite personality disorders and anti-government beliefs, allowing execution to proceed after a lengthy competency hearing.
- Steven Bixby, convicted for killing two police officers in 2003 during a land dispute at his family home in Abbeville County, faces execution after a judge ruled him competent.
- The ruling followed a competency hearing last month debating whether Bixby's sovereign citizen beliefs and mental illnesses impair his ability to assist counsel, with his defense arguing incompetency.
- Judge R. Scott Sprouse found that despite Bixby's ideological and one-directional communication style, he understands counsel's role and can make strategic decisions, supported by psychiatrists' testimony.
- Sprouse's Sept. 12 order states Bixby’s beliefs do not form delusions preventing choice, and experts confirm he is firm on his views and ready to die as a martyr, quoting Bixby: "I'm not crazy."
- This ruling clears the way for Bixby's execution, though his lawyers may appeal; the South Carolina Supreme Court had previously postponed the date amid mental competency questions.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Associated Press News
Judge clears way for execution of South Carolina inmate who thinks most laws are unconstitutional
A judge in South Carolina has ruled a death row inmate who thinks most laws are unconstitutional is mentally competent and can be executed.
Death row inmate found competent for execution
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) -- A South Carolina judge has ruled that Steven Bixby is competent for execution, allowing the process to move forward. Bixby was convicted of killing two law enforcement officers at his Abbeville home in 2003. The decision regarding his competency was based on evidence presented in a Greenville court last month. Weeks before he was set to be executed earlier this year, the state Supreme Court halted the execution …
Death row inmate convicted of killing 2 cops is competent for execution, SC judge says
Death row inmate Steven Bixby, escorted by police, enters a courtroom at the Greenville County Courthouse on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)COLUMBIA — Death row inmate Steven Bixby may be obstinate and have atypical beliefs about the law, but he can still face execution, a judge decided. Circuit Court Judge R. Scott Sprouse’s 24-page order, dated Friday, opens the door for Bixby to receive a death warrant, which w…
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