[1] This execution method was used for crimes such as "adultery, rape, murder, theft, arson, blasphemy (killing a sacred deer), association with outcastes, [maintaining] unregistered rice fields, [and] treason.
One from Asuka Shrine in Nara claims that a yamabushi stole a stone statue (koma-inu) and was subsequently executed through ishikozume.
In rare instances, there will be records of a local variation on the ritual which does not result in death, that is, they are used as corporal rather than capital punishment.
The local yamabushi would put on ritual robes, meet and specified times, and read relevant scriptures beforehand.
Earhart referred to a Japanese scholar named Ainosuke Fujiwara, who, as early as 1943, went as far as to say that ishikozume should be viewed not as a method of execution, but rather burial.