Summary
Freddie Owens was executed by lethal injection in South Carolina on September 20, 2024, marking the state’s first execution in 13 years. His execution followed a lengthy pause due to difficulties in obtaining the drugs required for lethal injections and significant controversy surrounding his guilt.
Owens was convicted for the 1997 murder of Irene Graves, a convenience store clerk, during a robbery. Despite a sworn statement from his co-defendant, Steven Golden, claiming that Owens was not present at the scene, the South Carolina Supreme Court upheld his execution, citing inconsistencies with Golden’s original testimony. Owens maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings, and his last-minute appeals for clemency were denied by Governor Henry McMaster. The execution was notable not only for its timing but also for the renewed debate over the death penalty in South Carolina, which has seen a decline in executions and public support in recent years.
Background of the Case
- Crime Details: Owens was convicted for the armed robbery and murder of Irene Graves, who was shot after failing to open a safe during the robbery. His co-defendant, Golden, testified against him, leading to Owens’ conviction.
- Golden’s Recantation: In a sworn statement just hours before the execution, Golden claimed he lied during the trial, stating that Owens was not involved in the crime. This statement was not enough to halt the execution, as the court deemed it inconsistent with earlier testimonies.
Execution Process
- Final Meal: Owens’ last meal included two cheeseburgers, fries, a ribeye steak, chicken wings, strawberry sodas, and apple pie.
- Execution Details: Strapped to a gurney, Owens made no final statement other than saying “bye” to his lawyer. He was pronounced dead shortly after the lethal injection was administered.
Implications and Reactions
- Clemency Appeals: Owens’ mother and various activists appealed for clemency, arguing that new evidence suggested his innocence. However, these appeals were rejected.
- State’s Execution Protocol: South Carolina had not executed anyone since 2011 due to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs. The state had to amend its execution methods to resume capital punishment, which included using a single drug protocol with pentobarbital.
The execution of Freddie Owens has reignited discussions about the death penalty’s application and the potential for wrongful convictions within the justice system, particularly in light of the new evidence presented just before his death.
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Sep. 28 / L.a. Times / Highlights the unprecedented spike in executions across multiple states, providing context for the broader implications of Owens' execution. It effectively situates the event within national trends. “ Death row inmates in five states have been put to death in the span of one week, an unusually high number of executions that defies a yearslong trend of...
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Sep. 24 / Time / Offers a brief but impactful summary of the execution's significance within the broader context of U.S. capital punishment trends. It provides a timely perspective on the unusual spike in executions across states. “ OKLAHOMA CITY — Death row inmates in five states are scheduled to be put to death in the span of one week, an unusually high number of executions that defies...
Sep. 21 / Apnews / Focuses on the execution itself, including Owens' final moments and the circumstances leading to his death. The detailed description of his last meal adds a humanizing touch to the narrative, engaging the reader's empathy. “ AI is helping shape the 2024 presidential race. But not in the way experts feared WASHINGTON (AP) — With the 2024 election looming, the first since the mass...
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Sep. 21 / The Bbc / Covers the essential facts surrounding Owens' execution while emphasizing the controversy of his guilt. It succinctly presents both sides, making it a balanced and informative piece for readers interested in the legal aspects. “ South Carolina has executed its first death row inmate in 13 years, administering a lethal injection to Freddie Owens. Owens, 46, was found guilty by a jury...
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Sep. 21 / Fox News / Details the execution process and the state's history with capital punishment, contextualizing Owens' case within South Carolina's legal framework. It effectively underscores the ongoing debates about the death penalty. “ Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. A South Carolina man convicted of the 1997 killing of a convenience store...
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Sep. 21 / Nbc News / Covers the procedural aspects of Owens' execution and the broader context of South Carolina's death penalty revival. It effectively outlines the legal battles, though it could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of moral implications. “ COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina put inmate Freddie Owens to death Friday as the state restarted executions after an unintended 13-year pause because prison...
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Sep. 21 / Newsweek / Delivers a concise account of Freddie Owens' execution, focusing on his final moments. The lack of a final statement adds a poignant layer to the narrative, making it emotionally resonant despite its brevity. “ A South Carolina death row inmate became the in the state for 13 years on Friday. Freddie Owens was put to death by lethal injection at Broad River...
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Sep. 19 / New York Daily News / Explores the dramatic recantation of the co-defendant, adding a compelling twist to the narrative. It raises critical questions about the reliability of testimony and the potential for wrongful convictions. “ A South Carolina man scheduled to be executed on Friday was never at the crime scene, according to a key witness who helped secure his conviction . Freddie...
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Sep. 20 / Usa Today / Explores the implications of Owens' execution amid questions of guilt and a last-minute plea for clemency. The inclusion of personal perspectives from family members enriches the narrative and highlights emotional stakes. “ South Carolina executed Freddie Eugene Owens in the shooting death of a convenience store clerk on Friday as his mother begged state officials to reconsider,...
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Sep. 20 / The Washington Times , America’s Newspaper / Presents a straightforward account of Owens' execution, detailing the legal context and the 13-year gap in South Carolina executions. However, it lacks depth in discussing the surrounding controversies. “ South Carolina put inmate Freddie Owens to death Friday as the state restarted executions after an unintended 13-year pause because prison officials couldn't...
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Sep. 21 / New York Post / Centers on Owens' execution and the surrounding controversies, particularly the implications of the co-defendant's recantation. It effectively underscores the tension between legal decisions and moral considerations. “ He had a killer final meal. A South Carolina inmate who died by lethal injection Friday chowed down on a hearty multi-course meal before the Palmetto State...
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Sep. 21 / Independent / Discusses the details of Owens' last meal and execution with a focus on the emotional weight of the situation. While informative, it lacks depth in exploring the broader implications of his case. “ Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, previously known as Freddie Owens, died by lethal injection at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia
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Sep. 20 / Google News / Covers the final hours leading up to Owens' execution, providing a detailed account of his last meal and moments. However, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of the implications of his case. “ South Carolina prepares for first execution in 13 years WAVY.comHours before Freddie Owens' execution, friend who testified against him says he lied:...
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Sep. 21 / Skynew / Provides a clear overview of Freddie Owens' execution, detailing the context of South Carolina's 13-year pause on executions. It effectively highlights the implications of his case for the death penalty debate. “ South Carolina inmate Freddie Owens has been put to death after an unintended 13-year pause on executions in the state. Prison officials had been struggling...