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Judge Finds S.C. Inmate Steven Bixby Competent for Execution

The decision turns on a finding that his unconventional legal views do not impair his ability to work with counsel.

Overview

  • Circuit Judge R. Scott Sprouse issued the Sept. 12 order finding Bixby competent after an August evidentiary hearing.
  • The court credited state and court experts Dr. Richard Frierson and Dr. Donna Maddox over defense witness Dr. Richart DeMier, whose incompetence opinion the judge called not credible.
  • Sprouse determined Bixby’s beliefs about unconstitutional laws and property rights are not delusions and that he understands and can choose to cooperate with his attorneys.
  • The ruling allows the death sentence to proceed with no execution date set as Bixby’s lawyer expects to seek review by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
  • Bixby was sentenced to death for killing Deputy Danny Wilson and Constable Donnie Ouzts in 2003 after a road-widening dispute that led to a prolonged standoff.