A newly released autopsy report has sent shockwaves across the nation, revealing gruesome details following what critics are calling a “botched” firing squad execution of death row inmate Michael Barrett in Utah. The 52-year-old, convicted of a double homicide, was put to death last week in what was supposed to be a swift and precise procedure—but the autopsy tells a darker story.
According to the report, Barrett suffered “multiple catastrophic wounds” that suggest several of the executioners’ bullets missed their intended target, striking his abdomen, thighs, and even one hand before a fatal shot finally pierced his heart. Medical examiners described extensive internal bleeding and prolonged suffering, raising fresh concerns over the controversial use of firing squads.
BREAKING: Autopsy reveals death row inmate Michael Barrett was shot multiple times in the abdomen, hand, and thighs before fatal chest wound. Critics call it “a botched execution.” https://t.co/8RxCc5kHjb #DeathPenalty pic.twitter.com/h4iRVEdTYk— CNN (@CNN) May 21, 2025
“This is a human rights disaster,” said Sister Helen Prejean, a leading anti-death penalty advocate. “No civilized nation should allow this level of cruelty under the guise of justice.”
Witnesses to the execution have also come forward, with several reporting that Barrett appeared conscious for at least 30 seconds after the first round of shots. One described the scene as “horrific and chaotic,” with executioners visibly shaken afterward.
Sister Helen Prejean: “What happened to Michael Barrett is a disgrace to human dignity and a failure of the justice system.” https://t.co/1yI9HeeEQF #HumanRights pic.twitter.com/oMFbOguvQg— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 21, 2025
Utah state officials have launched an internal investigation, while the governor’s office issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the execution’s handling. Legal experts warn this case may reignite the national debate over the death penalty and whether firing squads have any place in modern justice.
Social media has erupted, with hashtags like #BotchedExecution and #DeathPenaltyFail trending worldwide. A viral post from @PopCrave read, “The Michael Barrett execution is shocking the world. How is this still happening in 2025?”
PopCrave: “The horrific details from Michael Barrett’s execution are raising global outrage. Is this justice?” https://t.co/PXq9vNf4OB #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/6FmOQkbVNU— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 21, 2025
While public debate rages, Barrett’s family has issued a statement through their attorney, demanding accountability. “Regardless of his crimes, Michael was entitled to a humane death. What happened was barbaric,” the statement reads.
As investigations continue, lawmakers in several states are already calling for urgent legislative reviews to reconsider the use of firing squads and potentially suspend future executions until safety protocols are reevaluated.
