Stephen Corey Bryant

Stephen Corey Bryant, a 44-year-old death row inmate in South Carolina, gained notoriety for his violent crimes, including the murder of Willard 'TJ' Tietjen, which he committed over two decades ago. In a chilling act, he wrote a taunting message to investigators using Tietjen's blood. Facing execution, Bryant made the controversial choice to die by firing squad, scheduled for November 14, making him the third inmate in South Carolina to select this method since the state resumed executions in 2024 after a lengthy hiatus. His case has drawn attention to the complexities and moral dilemmas surrounding capital punishment, particularly regarding the psychological trauma he experienced from past abuse.