Overview
- Judge Grace Knie ruled that John Richard Wood cannot be executed because he cannot rationally understand his punishment or work with his lawyers.
- Three mental health experts, including the state’s psychiatrist, agreed that his illness blocks the clear thinking the law requires before an execution.
- Reports to the court described fixed delusions, such as believing he is immortal, has died and been resurrected on death row, and would rise again if executed.
- Wood also claimed a pardon from the governor and said courtroom staff served a deity he names, while saying he had wings and special powers.
- The decision pauses any execution as the South Carolina Supreme Court reviews it, and he is the first inmate since executions resumed in 2024 found not competent.