Analysis Summary:

The article presents a mixed bag of accuracy. While the core claim about Stephen Stanko choosing lethal injection is plausible, the reasoning provided (concerns about a "lingering death" by firing squad) lacks direct verification and relies on lawyer's statements. The article exhibits moderate bias by focusing on the potential suffering caused by firing squad executions, potentially influencing the reader's perception.

Detailed Analysis:

• Claim:** South Carolina death row inmate Stephen Stanko has chosen to die by lethal injection.
  • Verification Source #4: Supports the general idea of inmates choosing lethal injection in South Carolina.
  • Verification Source #2: Mentions Brad Sigmon choosing firing squad due to concerns about lethal injections.
  • Verification Source #3: Mentions concerns about lethal injections in South Carolina.
• Verdict:* Plausible, but needs further verification specific to Stephen Stanko.

• Claim:** Stanko's lawyers say he is troubled by what appeared to be a lingering death of the last person in the state who was killed by firing squad.
• Verdict:* This is an attributed statement, not a verified fact. No provided source directly confirms this specific reasoning for Stanko's choice. It's possible this is a misinterpretation or spin by the lawyers. This relies on the lawyers' representation of Stanko's feelings.

• Implied Claim:** Firing squad executions are potentially more painful or cause a "lingering death" compared to lethal injection.
• Verification Source #2: Suggests that lethal injections can cause "excruciating" pain, implying the opposite.
• Verification Source #5: Mentions concerns over South Carolina's lethal injections.
• Verdict:* This is a point of contention and debate. The article presents it as a reason for Stanko's choice, but other sources suggest concerns about lethal injection as well. This presents a biased view.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

• Verification Source #4: "South Carolina inmate Richard Moore has selected lethal injection as the method for his Nov. 1 execution..." This supports the general practice of inmates choosing their execution method.
• Verification Source #2: "Brad Sigmon, 67, chooses to be shot dead amid concerns that lethal injections have caused 'excruciating' pain." This contradicts the implied claim that firing squad is inherently more concerning than lethal injection.
• Verification Source #3: "South Carolina Preparing for State's First Firing Squad Execution...out of concern about problems with the state's lethal..." This also contradicts the implied claim that firing squad is inherently more concerning than lethal injection.
• The lack of direct verification for Stanko's specific reasoning is a significant limitation.