SC death row inmate requests delay in execution process until after holidays

Steven Bixby, a South Carolina death row inmate convicted in 2007 for killing two law enforcement officers during a 2003 standoff at his parents' Abbeville home, has petitioned the South Carolina Supreme Court to delay issuing his execution notice until after the winter holidays, WCBD Count on 2 reported.

Bixby's attorneys argue that additional legal challenges remain unresolved, including a pending review by the U.S. Supreme Court and a lawsuit challenging parts of South Carolina's execution protocols, according to WCSC Live 5. They contend that issuing an execution notice during the holiday season would impose an unnecessary burden on those involved.

The South Carolina Supreme Court had previously stayed Bixby's execution in 2025 to consider claims about his mental competency. A circuit judge later ruled Bixby competent, a decision upheld by the state Supreme Court, which denied further review and rehearing requests earlier this year, ABC News 4 WCIV reported.

If the court issues a death warrant on the earliest possible date, November 6, Bixby's execution could be scheduled for December 4 under South Carolina law. However, the court has not yet ruled on the current petition to delay the execution notice until after the holidays.

Bixby's case has been subject to extensive litigation, including challenges to the state's execution methods and competency proceedings. His attorneys plan to seek review from the U.S. Supreme Court on constitutional issues related to his competency evaluation, according to WCBD Count on 2.

The South Carolina Supreme Court's decision on the request to delay the execution notice remains pending, and it is unclear when a ruling will be issued.