Freddie Owens Executed Amid New Evidence

Freddie Owens was executed in South Carolina despite a last-minute confession from his co-defendant, Steven Golden, who admitted he lied during the original trial to save himself from the death penalty. Owens, who was convicted of the 1997 murder of Irene Graves, had his appeals for clemency denied by both the state Supreme Court and Governor Henry McMaster. Golden revealed he blamed Owens out of fear and because he was pressured by police while under the influence of cocaine. Despite Golden’s new sworn statement declaring Owens' innocence, the courts and the governor decided the execution should proceed. Owens maintained his innocence until his death, claiming he was home at the time of the crime. His case has highlighted ongoing debates around the death penalty, judicial fairness, and the potential for wrongful executions.