SC Judge Halts Death Row Inmate's Execution
The judge said three experts found Wood incompetent, citing schizophrenia and delusions that prevent him from rationally understanding the execution proceedings.
- On April 29, Circuit Court Judge Grace Knie granted post-conviction relief to John Richard Wood, issuing a temporary stay of execution pending review by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
- Knie ruled Wood incompetent for execution after finding his schizophrenia prevents him from rationally understanding the proceedings and communicating with counsel, as required by state legal standards.
- Experts testified that Wood, convicted in 2000 for killing Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Nicholson, believes he is immortal and acts under the influence of a deity named "Beloved Kevin Rudolph."
- The ruling does not overturn Wood's conviction or death sentence but pauses issuance of his death warrant, requiring the South Carolina Supreme Court to review Knie's 12-page written decision.
- Wood is the first inmate found incompetent for execution since South Carolina restarted capital punishment in September 2024, with 23 men currently listed on death row.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Death Row Inmate Who Killed State Trooper Says He’s ‘Immortal’ — and It Helped Halt His Execution
South Carolina death row inmate John Richard Wood, 59, has been ruled unfit for execution after three mental health experts confirmed his schizophrenia-driven belief that he is immortal and cannot die.
New York Post
South Carolina inmate who believes he is immortal cannot be executed due to mental illness, judge rules
John Richard Wood, 59, lacks the ability to rationally communicate with his lawyers and does not have a rational and factual understanding of his crimes, why he is being punished or the nature of his punishment.
South Carolina inmate who believes he is immortal cannot be executed due to mental illness, judge rules – Democratic Accent
A South Carolina inmate convicted of killing a state trooper more than 25 years ago cannot be executed due to a mental illness that has him believing he is immortal, a judge ruled. John Richard Wood, 59, lacks the ability to rationally communicate with his lawyers and does not have a rational and factual understanding of his crimes, why he is being punished or the nature of his punishment, Judge Grace Knie found, based on the opinions of three m…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
