South Carolina executes Richard Moore amid broad plea for clemency

The trial judge, a former prison director, and Moore’s family, South Carolina executed Richard Moore by lethal injection on Friday. Moore, 59, was sentenced to death for the 1999 killing of James Mahoney, a convenience store clerk, during an altercation that Moore’s lawyers argued was self-defense.

In his last message, read by attorney Lindsey Vann, Moore expressed deep remorse to Mahoney’s family: “I am deeply sorry for the pain and sorrow I caused you all.” He also shared final words of love with his children and grandchildren, calling them “the joy” of his life.

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Moore’s lawyers urged Governor Henry McMaster to reduce his sentence to life without parole, citing his rehabilitation in prison and spotless record. They argued that Moore, a Black man, was unfairly sentenced by a jury with no African Americans. McMaster declined to grant clemency but did not provide a reason, stating only that he had reviewed all materials from Moore’s defense and spoken with Mahoney’s family.

Moore’s execution comes as South Carolina resumes the death penalty after a 13-year pause due to difficulties securing lethal injection drugs. Four other inmates are now out of appeals, with the state planning to proceed with their executions in the coming months.