Freddie Owens South Carolina Department of Corrections
After a decades-long journey through the legal system, Freddie Owens, a 46-year-old South Carolina death row inmate, was executed on Friday, marking the state’s first lethal injection since 2010. Owens was sentenced to death in 1999 for the murder of a convenience store clerk during a robbery, and his execution has sparked renewed debate over capital punishment in the state.
The Crime and Conviction: Owens’ Path to Death Row
Owens was just 19 years old when he shot and killed Irene Graves, a 41-year-old mother of three, during a robbery at a Greenville convenience store in November 1997. He was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death two years later, convicted of murder, armed robbery, and criminal conspiracy.
However, Owens’ time on death row was marred by further violence. In 1999, while awaiting sentencing, he confessed to killing a cellmate, further cementing his fate within the state’s criminal justice system.
Execution Process: South Carolina Resumes Lethal Injections
Owens’ execution, which took place at 6:35 p.m. ET, was South Carolina’s first by lethal injection in 13 years. The state had faced supply issues with lethal injection drugs for nearly a decade, halting executions until Governor Henry McMaster signed a 2023 law that shielded the identities of those involved in the execution process. This legislation allowed the state to acquire pentobarbital, the drug used to carry out Owens’ death sentence. Owens was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. ET.
Despite his conviction, Owens maintained his innocence until the end, making no final statement before his execution.
Final Appeals: A Last-Minute Effort for Clemency
In the days leading up to the execution, Owens’ attorneys made several legal attempts to delay or prevent his death. They argued that the state failed to provide Owens with necessary information about the execution process and the qualifications of those involved in administering the lethal injection. Additionally, a new affidavit from Owens’ co-defendant, Steven Golden, surfaced just days before the execution, claiming that Owens was not present during the robbery and murder.
Despite these efforts, the South Carolina Supreme Court rejected multiple appeals, including a last-minute request for clemency from Governor McMaster and an emergency motion to the U.S. Supreme Court. Both the state and federal courts declined to intervene.
Owens’ Legacy: A Case of Controversy and Denial
Throughout the years, Owens consistently denied responsibility for Graves’ murder, even though he had previously confessed to the crime on five occasions, including to two law enforcement officers and his girlfriend. His attorney, Gerald “Bo” King, referred to Owens’ death as “a tragedy” and criticized the legal system, stating that Owens’ childhood of extreme hardship and claims of false evidence should have prompted a different outcome.
“The legal errors, hidden deals, and false evidence that made tonight possible should shame us all,” King said.
The Return of Capital Punishment in South Carolina
Owens’ execution comes after years of legal battles in South Carolina over capital punishment. His execution was initially scheduled for June 2021, but was delayed due to the state’s inability to procure lethal injection drugs and ongoing debates about alternative methods of execution, such as the electric chair and firing squad. South Carolina passed a law in 2021 allowing inmates to choose between these methods if lethal injection was unavailable.
Despite this, Owens’ attorneys argued that both the electric chair and firing squad were cruel and unusual punishment, leading to further delays until lethal injection drugs became available again in 2023.
The Future of Capital Punishment in South Carolina
Freddie Owens’ execution is part of a broader trend of resuming capital punishment in the United States. In 2024 alone, 14 inmates have been executed, including Owens, with lethal injection remaining the most common method. South Carolina’s shield law and renewed access to lethal injection drugs suggest that more executions could follow in the coming years.
FAQ About Freddie Owens and His Execution
Who was Freddie Owens?
Freddie Owens was a death row inmate in South Carolina convicted of murdering convenience store clerk Irene Graves during a robbery in 1997. He was sentenced to death in 1999 and was executed by lethal injection in 2024.
What crime did Freddie Owens commit?
Owens was convicted of shooting and killing Irene Graves, a 41-year-old mother of three, during a robbery at a Greenville, South Carolina convenience store in November 1997. He was also convicted of armed robbery and criminal conspiracy.
How was Freddie Owens executed?
Owens was executed by lethal injection using pentobarbital, a drug commonly used in executions. This was South Carolina’s first execution by lethal injection in 13 years due to previous issues with acquiring the necessary drugs.
Did Freddie Owens maintain his innocence?
Yes, despite multiple confessions to the crime, Owens’ attorneys continued to argue for his innocence. In the days leading up to his execution, his co-defendant Steven Golden signed an affidavit claiming Owens was not present at the time of the crime, but the courts did not halt the execution.
Why did Owens’ execution take place after a 13-year pause?
South Carolina had faced a shortage of lethal injection drugs, which delayed executions. In 2023, Governor McMaster passed a shield law allowing the state to obtain the necessary drugs while protecting the identities of those involved in the execution process. This allowed the state to resume capital punishment.
What methods of execution are available in South Carolina?
Inmates in South Carolina may choose between lethal injection, the electric chair, or a firing squad. Owens’ attorney chose lethal injection for him, as it became available again in 2023 after a decade-long shortage.
Conclusion
Freddie Owens’ execution has reignited the debate over capital punishment in South Carolina and the United States as a whole. While his death closes a chapter for many, including the family of Irene Graves, it leaves lingering questions about the fairness of the justice system and the future of executions in the state.