In a chilling decision, a South Carolina judge has ruled that Steven Bixby, a 58-year-old man convicted of murdering two police officers, is mentally fit to face execution despite his extreme beliefs about the legal system, as Fox News reports.

The ruling by Judge R. Scott Sprouse paves the way for Bixby’s execution to proceed, though his legal team may appeal the decision.

The case stems from a violent incident in December 2003, when Bixby shot and killed Abbeville County Deputy Danny Wilson at his parents’ home after a dispute involving threats against a road crew.

Tragic beginnings of deadly standoff

After the initial shooting, Wilson’s body was dragged inside the home and restrained with his own handcuffs, escalating the horror of the situation.

Later, when officers arrived to investigate, Bixby and his family killed State Constable Donnie Ouzts, triggering a 12-hour armed standoff with law enforcement.

During the confrontation, hundreds of shots were exchanged between the Bixby family and police, while Bixby’s parents were also charged with murder but have since passed away.

Extreme beliefs challenge legal defense

Bixby has long held radical views, asserting that the killings were justified because authorities were attempting to seize his family’s land.

He has also expressed distrust in the U.S. legal system, claiming in a handwritten court motion that judges ruling against him are influenced by dark forces and warning of severe consequences if he is not released.

In the motion, Bixby declared, “I am an innocent man!! Let freedom ring & let those committing treason swing!!!”

Competency ruling under scrutiny

He continued, “Like Thomas Jefferson: I am standing on principle even if I stand alone.”

Despite these statements, Judge Sprouse determined that Bixby comprehends the role of his legal counsel and the purpose of the competency hearing, even if he often disagrees with their approach.

The judge noted, “[Bixby] has often disagreed with counsel and expresses distrust regarding their strategy in this proceeding, [but] the evidence demonstrates that he understands their role, the rationale for why they are engaging in this competency proceeding, and that he can choose whether or not to cooperate with them.”

Psychological insights into a troubled mind

During the hearing, a psychologist testified that while Bixby grasps the reasons for his death sentence, he holds unusual beliefs, such as claiming blood on his clothes contains sacred DNA.

State experts further revealed that Bixby has consistently maintained these views, sees himself as a sacrificial figure, and believes he will be reunited with his deceased parents in the afterlife.

Bixby himself told a psychiatrist treating death row inmates, “I’m not crazy. I’m not a mental health case. I may be an [expletive], but I’m not crazy.”