As South Carolina prepares to execute Freddie Owens, anti-death penalty advocates are pressing Governor Henry McMaster to halt the process. Owens is set to be the first inmate in over ten years to face execution in the state.
The South Carolina Alliance Against the Death Penalty (SCADP) is calling on the public to urge the governor to intervene. Owens, who has changed his name to Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah after converting to Islam while incarcerated, was convicted for the 1997 shooting of store clerk Irene Graves during a robbery.
In a recent development, Owens’ attorneys released a signed affidavit from Stephen Golden, a co-defendant in the robbery, who claims he provided false testimony during the trial to evade the death penalty. Golden asserts that Owens was “not actually there” and that he was under the influence of cocaine at the time, fearing retribution from the actual shooter.
Golden explained why he decided to come forward, stating, “I’m coming forward now because I know Freddie’s execution date is September 20 and I don’t want Freddie to be executed for something he didn’t do. This has weighed heavily on my mind and I want to have a clear conscience.”
SCADP has launched an urgent appeal in light of Golden’s statement, emphasizing the importance of justice and expressing their commitment to supporting Owens, his family, and his legal team.
To amplify their message, the group has initiated the #FreddieKhalilOwens campaign and organized three vigils on the day of the execution.
The vigils are scheduled as follows:
Charleston Vigil:
Location: North Charleston United Methodist Church
Date/Time: Friday, September 20, 2024, at 4:00 PM
Contact: bwpigford@umcsc.org
Columbia Vigil:
Location: Broad River Correctional Institution
Date/Time: Friday, September 20, 2024, at 4:30 PM
Contact: info@scadp.org (Register for parking details)
Greenville Vigil:
Location: Triune Mercy Center
Date/Time: Friday, September 20, 2024, at 5:30 PM
Contact: trevor@triunemercy.org
Updates regarding this significant execution will continue to be provided.