South Carolina Supreme Court Upholds Execution of Freddie Owens, Marking Return to Capital Punishment

Columbia, South Carolina: A Stalwart Decision

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation in Columbia, South Carolina, as the state Supreme Court made a monumental ruling on Thursday, refusing to halt the execution of Freddie Owens, scheduled for this week. This execution marks a return to capital punishment in South Carolina after a 13-year hiatus, and many are closely watching how this plays out.

What Led to This Decision?

Bouncing back to the details, Owens, who is now 46, was condemned to death for the tragic killing of Irene Graves, a convenience store clerk, back in 1997. The Supreme Court justices were unanimous, dismissing two requests from Owens’ defense team, who argued there was new information that warranted a new trial. They claimed there was a “secret deal” that protected a co-defendant from a harsher sentence, and they raised concerns regarding a juror who suspected Owens was wearing a stun belt during his trial. Unfortunately for Owens, the justices found that the evidence presented just didn’t meet the high bar necessary for a new appeal.

Implications of the Ruling

The court’s ruling means that the execution is set to proceed on September 20 at the Broad River Correctional Institution. The state has been preparing for this moment, having faced significant hurdles over the past decade in obtaining the necessary drugs for lethal injections. The challenges involved not only finding suppliers but also navigating legislative changes to reinstate capital punishment methods, which now include the electric chair and firing squad.

A Gripping Backstory

To understand the weight of this decision, we must look back at the grim events of 1997. According to court records, co-defendant Steven Golden testified that Owens shot Graves after she was unable to open the store’s safe. Surveillance footage was present, but it was too blurry to clearly identify the shooter. Adding to the intrigue, no physical evidence directly linked Owens to the crime scene, raising questions about his conviction. Golden, who ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, is serving 28 years in prison.

Legal Precedents and the High Court’s Comments

The justices made it clear in their ruling that even if Owens didn’t actually pull the trigger, he played a significant part in the crime—a perspective they believe justifies the death sentence. They noted that he showed a “reckless disregard for human life” by being involved in a crime that inevitably led to violence and death.

Hope for Clemency

As the execution day approaches, all eyes are now on Governor Henry McMaster. He holds the power to grant clemency and has stated he will keep the decision under wraps until just before the execution. Historically, no governor in South Carolina has granted clemency since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. McMaster expressed respect for juries and court decisions, complicating the situation even further for those hoping for a different outcome.

Opposition to the Death Penalty

Outside the governor’s office, advocates against the death penalty gathered to voice their concerns, believing that no one, not even the state, should have the authority to end a life. The Reverend Hillary Taylor, representing South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, explained the age-old sentiment: “There is always hope. Nobody is beyond redemption.”

Concerns also arose regarding race, as Owens is Black, and statistics indicate that a disproportionate number of executed inmates in South Carolina fall within this demographic. The Reverend David Kennedy from the NAACP echoed this sentiment, highlighting the fundamental issues within the criminal justice system. “Only God can do that,” he stated firmly, emphasizing moral opposition to capital punishment, regardless of the circumstances.

Looking Ahead

As we tread these complex waters, the unfolding events surrounding Freddie Owens’ execution are sure to stir emotions and spark discussions regarding justice, mercy, and the very essence of our legal system. What will occur next? Only time will tell as Columbia prepares for a critical moment in both its history and its moral landscape.